One as deformed and horrible as myself, could not deny herself to me. My companion must be of the same species, and have the same defects... with whom I can live in the interchange of those sympathies necessary for my being.
Interpretation
The quote reflects the desire for companionship and the importance of shared experiences and flaws.
In this quote, the speaker expresses a deep longing for connection with another being who shares similar flaws and deformities. It highlights the human need for empathy and understanding, suggesting that true companionship can only be founded on mutual acceptance of one's imperfections. The recognition of our own deficiencies can create a sense of belonging when shared with another, emphasizing that it is in our vulnerabilities that we find the truest form of connection.
In practice
This quote can be shared during a discussion about the importance of finding someone who understands our struggles.
Invention, it must be humbly admitted, does not consist in creating out of a void, but out of chaos; the materials must in the first place be afforded; it can give form to dark, shapeless substances, but cannot bring into being the substance itself.
The instructor can scarcely give sensibility where it is essentially wanting, nor talent to the unpercipient block. But he can cultivate and direct the affections of the pupil, who puts forth, as a parasite, tendrils by which to cling, not knowing to what - to a supporter or a destroyer.
What terrified me will terrify others; and I need only describe the spectre which had haunted my midnight pillow.
I shall commit my thoughts to paper, it is true; but that is a poor medium for the communication of feeling. I desire the company of a man who could sympathize with me, whose eyes would reply to mine.
Heavy misfortunes have befallen us, but let us only cling closer to what remains, and transfer our love for those whom we have lost to those who yet live. Our circle will be small, but bound close by the ties of affection and mutual misfortune. And when time shall have softened your despair, new and dear objects of care will be born to replace those of whom we have been so cruelly deprived.
Hateful day when I received life!' I exclaimed in agony. 'Accursed creator! Why did you form a monster so hideous that even you turned from me in disgust? God, in pity, made man beautiful and alluring, after his own image; but my form is a filthy type of yours, more horrid even from the very resemlance. Satan had his companions, fellow-devils, to admire and encourage him; but I am solitary and abhorred.' - Frankenstein
The moment we want to believe something, we suddenly see all the arguments for it, and become blind to the arguments against it.
In some departments of our daily life, in which we imagine ourselves free agents, we are ruled by dictators exercising great power.
The most fatal seductive lie that has yet existed
I do not know if there is a more dreadful word in the English language than that word "lost."
What can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence.
Both individuals and societies tell themselves stories to simplify and make sense of the messy chaos of reality.
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