Why, it seemed to me I had lost the most of myself; and…
““Why, it seemed to me I had lost the most of myself; and there was left only a brain which played with ideas, and a body that went delicately down pleasant ways. And I could not believe as my fellows believed, nor could I love them, nor could I detect anything in aught they said or did save their exceeding folly: for I had lost their cordial common faith of what use they made of half-hours and months and years... I had lost faith in the importance of my own actions, too. There was a little time of which the passing might be made endurable; beyond gaped unpredictable darkness: and that was all there was of certainty anywhere.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Loss of shared belief leads to isolation; time feels uncertain without common purpose.
In simple terms: Loss of faith isolates.
Key Takeaway
Find shared purpose.
Themes
isolation
faith
time
meaning
Mood
melancholic
contemplative
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- relationships
- career
- community building
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
existentialism
nihilism
Questions to Reflect On
- What shared values ground you?
- How to create meaning in solitary work?
A Different Perspective
Shared meaning may be illusory.