Finally, spurred by the appetite to which he was…
““Finally, spurred by the appetite to which he was indifferent, he took any one, read the printing on the parti-colored label of paper. He held the soup can like a skull; and at once he did not want it. The soup was made from celery. Mr. Lecky put it back. He stood in mild misery, harassed again by the plague of a will impotent in its restored freedom. If the mind cannot direct, it can be cunning to protect its ease. Mr. Lecky now proposed a fantastic pact to himself. He shut his eyes. He reached again and took a can. Eyes still shut, he ripped the label from it, crumpled and threw away the paper. Now he could not tell what he had until he opened it.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A person avoids confronting reality by blinding themselves, seeking comfort in ignorance, but ultimately cannot escape truth.
In simple terms: Avoiding truth leads to temporary comfort but eventual confusion.
Key Takeaway
Face reality, don’t hide behind ignorance.
Themes
self‑deception
comfort
truth
Mood
anxious
reflective
Type
philosophical
cautionary
When to use this quote
- making decisions
- reading labels
- personal reflection
- overcoming avoidance
Key Concepts
psychology
willpower
perception
Questions to Reflect On
- What truths are you avoiding?
- How does ignorance affect your choices?
A Different Perspective
Blindness to reality can cause deeper distress later.