I am stirred, even overwhelmed each time I happen upon an…
““I am stirred, even overwhelmed each time I happen upon an innocent person. Where does he come from? What is he after? Doesn't such an apparition herald some disaster? It is a very special disturbance we suffer in the presence of someone there is no way of calling our kind.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Encountering an innocent person triggers profound existential unease, questioning their origin and purpose, and fearing unknown consequences.
In simple terms: Seeing innocence can feel unsettling and mysterious.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and reflect on the discomfort without assuming disaster.
Themes
existentialism
identity
otherness
Mood
uneasy
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- personal encounters
- first meetings
- cross‑cultural interactions
- psychological introspection
Key Concepts
nihilism
phenomenology
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions do you make about strangers?
- How can you turn discomfort into curiosity?
A Different Perspective
The feeling may stem from projection rather than actual threat.