Skip to content

I've seen all I want to see and I know all I want to know…

“I've seen all I want to see and I know all I want to know. I just look forward to death. He might hear you, Suttree said. I wisht he would, said the ragpicker. He glared out across the river with his redrimmed eyes at the town where dusk was settling in. As if death might be hiding in that…” quote by Cormac McCarthy
Download Open image
““I've seen all I want to see and I know all I want to know. I just look forward to death. He might hear you, Suttree said. I wisht he would, said the ragpicker. He glared out across the river with his redrimmed eyes at the town where dusk was settling in. As if death might be hiding in that quarter. No one wants to die. Shit, said the ragpicker. Here's one that's sick of livin. Would you give all you own? The ragman eyed him suspiciously but he did not smile. It wont be long, he said. An old man's days are hours. And what happens then? When? After you're dead. Dont nothin happen. You're dead. You told me once you believed in God. The old man waved his hand. Maybe, he said. I got no reason to think he believes in me. Oh I'd like to see him for a minute if I could. What would you say to him? Well, I think I'd just tell him. I'd say: Wait a minute. Wait just one minute before you start in on me. Before you say anything, there's just one thing I'd like to know. And he'll say: What's that? And then I'm goin to ast him: What did you have me in that crapgame down there for anyway? I couldnt put any part of it together. Suttree smiled. What do you think he'll say? The ragpicker spat and wiped his mouth. I dont believe he can answer it, he said. I dont believe there is a answer.””

Cormac McCarthy

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 confronts mortality, existential doubt, and the search for meaning amid suffering, highlighting humanity’s struggle with faith and purpose.

In simple terms: Facing death raises questions about purpose.

Key Takeaway

Contemplate life’s meaning despite uncertainty.

Themes

mortality existentialism faith

Mood

somber introspective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • grief counseling
  • philosophical discussion
  • creative writing
  • spiritual exploration

Key Concepts

nihilism search for meaning

Questions to Reflect On

  • What would you ask a dying stranger?
  • How do you find purpose when confronting death?
A Different Perspective

The text offers no clear answers, leaving readers unsettled.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Cormac McCarthy

Explore all 927 Cormac McCarthy quotes

More Death quotes

Browse all 39,127 Death quotes