When I learnt to write I became my own master, I became very strong, and that strength is with me to this very day.
V. S. NaipaulRead
The world outside existed in a kind of darkness; and we inquired about nothing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the ignorance toward the outside world and the lack of curiosity about it.
V. S. Naipaul's quote suggests that people often live in a state of unawareness, where they do not seek to understand or inquire about the reality beyond their immediate existence. This 'darkness' symbolizes a broader human condition where ignorance and complacency prevail, inhibiting personal growth and societal progress.
Themes
IgnoranceCuriosityAwarenessDarknessKnowledge
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a discussion about the importance of education and awareness in today's society.
More from V. S. Naipaul
All quotes βIt is wrong to have an ideal view of the world. That's where the mischief starts. That's where everything starts unravelling.
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If you decide to move to another country and to live within its laws you don't express your disregard for the essence of the culture. It's a form of aggression.
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One must always try to see the truth of a situation - it makes things universal.
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His ignorance seemed to widen with everything he read.
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I think when you see so many Hindu temples of the 10th century or earlier disfigured, defaced, you realise that something terrible happened. I feel the civilisation of that closed world was mortally wounded by those invasions the old world is destroyed. That has to be understood. Ancient Hindu India was destroyed.
V. S. NaipaulRead
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