Skip to content

I belong to an ancient, idle, wild and useless tribe…

“I belong to an ancient, idle, wild and useless tribe, perhaps I am even one of the last members of it, who for many thousands of years, in all countries and parts of the world, has, now and again, stayed for a time among the hard-working honest people in real life, and sometimes has thus been…” quote by Isak Dinesen
Download Open image
“I belong to an ancient, idle, wild and useless tribe, perhaps I am even one of the last members of it, who for many thousands of years, in all countries and parts of the world, has, now and again, stayed for a time among the hard-working honest people in real life, and sometimes has thus been fortunate enough to create another sort of reality for them, which in some way or another, has satisfied them. I am a storyteller.”

Isak Dinesen

About This Quote

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

A narrator claims to be part of an ancient, idle tribe that occasionally lives among diligent people, creating alternate realities that satisfy them.

In simple terms: A storyteller from an old tribe shares imagined worlds with hardworking folk.

Key Takeaway

Embrace imagination to enrich everyday life.

Themes

storytelling culture imagination identity community

Mood

reflective inspirational thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • writing workshops
  • community gatherings
  • educational settings
  • creative retreats

Key Concepts

mythology social role creative influence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does myth shape our view of work?
  • What responsibilities do storytellers have?
A Different Perspective

May be romanticized; risk of escapism.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Isak Dinesen

Explore all 135 Isak Dinesen quotes

More Ancient quotes

Browse all 2,415 Ancient quotes