Skip to content

We disliked the rigours of existence, the unfulfilled…

“We disliked the rigours of existence, the unfulfilled longings, the enshrined injustices of the world, the labyrinths of love, the ignorance of parents, the fact of dying, and the amazing indifference of the Living in the midst of the simple beauties of the universe. We feared the heartlessness of…” quote by Ben Okri
Download Open image
“We disliked the rigours of existence, the unfulfilled longings, the enshrined injustices of the world, the labyrinths of love, the ignorance of parents, the fact of dying, and the amazing indifference of the Living in the midst of the simple beauties of the universe. We feared the heartlessness of human beings, all of whom are born blind, few of whom ever learn to see.”

Ben Okri

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The passage reflects on existential dread, societal injustice, and the paradox of beauty amid indifference, highlighting human blindness to deeper truths.

In simple terms: Life feels cruel and indifferent despite its beauty.

Key Takeaway

Recognize suffering, seek compassion and meaning.

Themes

existence injustice love ignorance death indifference beauty

Mood

melancholic reflective hopeful

Type

philosophical poetic critical

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • social observation
  • cosmic perspective
  • ethical contemplation
  • artistic expression

Key Concepts

philosophy existentialism social critique spirituality human condition

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can one find hope amid such bleakness?
  • What actions counteract societal indifference?
A Different Perspective

Optimism may clash with bleak view, risking paralysis.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Ben Okri

Explore all 124 Ben Okri quotes

More Blind quotes

Browse all 3,877 Blind quotes