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I can do a score of things that can’t be done. I can find…

“I can do a score of things that can’t be done. I can find a thing I can’t see, and I see a thing I can’t find. The first is time, and the second is a spot before my eyes. I can feel a thing I cannot touch, and I touch a thing I cannot feel. The first is sad and sorry, and the second is your heart…” quote by James Thurber
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““I can do a score of things that can’t be done. I can find a thing I can’t see, and I see a thing I can’t find. The first is time, and the second is a spot before my eyes. I can feel a thing I cannot touch, and I touch a thing I cannot feel. The first is sad and sorry, and the second is your heart. What would you do without me? Say “nothing”.””

James Thurber

About This Quote

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

The speaker describes paradoxical abilities that blend the impossible with the intangible, highlighting how we rely on unseen forces like time and emotion.

In simple terms: We depend on unseen things like time and feelings.

Key Takeaway

Recognize hidden influences in decisions.

Themes

paradox perception time emotion

Mood

thoughtful reflective

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • creative writing
  • personal reflection
  • psychological analysis

Key Concepts

existentialism psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What unseen forces guide your choices?
  • How do you measure intangible impacts?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may be too abstract for practical use.

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