It never meant anything, Moses says. Not to the god above…
““It never meant anything, Moses says. Not to the god above it and not to the earth below it. It never did. Not even when they first did it. But it’s the doin it that counts. It’s something. You draw imaginary lines. That’s what you do. The Vestal looks at him kindly, a smile on her lips that seems affectionate--even maybe admiring. Then what do you do with the lines? she asks. And Moses looks at her straight and true. He says: Then you pick one side or the other and you stand there.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Moses emphasizes that the act of choosing and committing to a side is what truly matters, not the abstract significance of the choice.
In simple terms: Choosing and committing matter more than meaning.
Key Takeaway
Make decisive choices and own them.
Themes
choice
commitment
meaning
action
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- career crossroads
- ethical dilemmas
- artistic direction
Key Concepts
existentialism
decision theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What side are you avoiding?
- How does commitment shape identity?
A Different Perspective
Decisions can be constrained by limited information.