Jump off. You are a protected individual. Do not fear.
Henry MillerRead
Tomorrow you may bring about the destruction of your world. Tomorrow you may sing in Paradise above the smoking ruins of your world-cities. But tonight I would like to think of one man, a lone individual, a man without name or country, a man whom I respect because he has absolutely nothing in common with you - MYSELF. Tonight I shall meditate upon that which I am.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests the importance of self-reflection and individuality amidst the chaos of the world.
Henry Miller's quote emphasizes the significance of introspection and self-awareness, urging us to focus on our inner selves rather than the tumultuous external events that may unfold in the future. He presents a contrast between the potential devastation of the world and the quiet contemplation of one's own identity and existence, underscoring the value of understanding oneself as a solitary figure distinct from societal turmoil.
Themes
Self-ReflectionIdentityIndividualityExistenceIntrospection
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used during a personal development seminar.
More from Henry Miller
All quotes →I saw through to the last sign and symbol, but I could not read her face. I could see only the eyes shining through, huge, fleshy-like luminous beasts, as though I were swimming behind them in the electric effluvia of her incandescent vision.
Henry MillerRead
The essential thing is to WANT to sing. This then is a song. I am singing.
Henry MillerRead
Great God! What have I turned into? What right have you people to clutter up my life, steal my time, probe my soul, suckle my thoughts, have me for your companion, confidant, and information bureau? What do you take me for? Am I an entertainer on salary, required every evening to play an intellectual farce under your stupid noses? Am I a slave, bought and paid for, to crawl on my belly in front of you idlers and lay at your feet all that I do and all that I know?
Henry MillerRead
We are swimming on the face of time and all else has drowned, is drowning, or will drown.
Henry MillerRead
To sing you must first open your mouth. You must have a pair of lungs, and a little knowledge of music. It is not necessary to have an accordion, or a guitar. The essential thing is to want to sing. This then is a song. I am singing.
Henry MillerRead
Similar quotes
Corporations take the humanity out of trade - they take the happiness out and replace it with something that is ugly.
Nassim Nicholas TalebRead
We have all, at one time or another, been performers, and many of us still are - politicians, playboys, cardinals and kings.
Laurence OlivierRead
There are in truth three states of the converted: the beginning, the middle, and the perfection. In the beginning they experience the charms of sweetness; in the middle the contests of temptation; and in the end the fullness of perfection.
Pope Gregory IRead
But I think the spirit of man is a good adversary
Tennessee WilliamsRead
Maybe that's all demons ever are. People like us, doing things without even knowing what we're doing.
Orson Scott CardRead
When we are young we do not look into mirrors. It is when we are old, concerned with our name, our legend, what our lives will mean to the future. We become vain with the names we own, our claims to have been the first eyes, the strongest army, the cleverest merchant. It is when he is old that Narcissus wants a graven image of himself.
Michael OndaatjeRead