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On their sofas of spice and feathers, the concubines also slept fretfully. In those days the Earth was still flat, and people dreamed often of falling over edges.
Tom Robbins
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects the uncertainties and fears associated with a naive understanding of the world.

Tom Robbins' quote suggests a time when people lived with a primitive worldview, filled with fear and anxiety about the unknown, much like how one might feel on the edge of a frightening precipice. The imagery of concubines resting on luxurious sofas juxtaposed with their fretful sleep symbolizes the tension between comfort and insecurity, emphasizing how even those in privileged positions can suffer from existential worries.

Themes

FearUncertaintyExistenceWorldviewEdges

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a philosophical discussion on how fears shape our perceptions of reality.

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If you're honest, you sooner or later have to confront your values. Then you're forced to separate what is right from what is merely legal. This puts you metaphysically on the run. America is full of metaphysical outlaws.
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