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My dear fellow,' Burlingame said, 'we sit here on a blind…

“My dear fellow,' Burlingame said, 'we sit here on a blind rock careening through space; we are all of us rushing headlong to the grave. Think you the worms will care, when anon they make a meal of you, whether you spent your moment sighing wigless in your chamber, or sacked the golden towns of…” quote by John Barth
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“My dear fellow,' Burlingame said, 'we sit here on a blind rock careening through space; we are all of us rushing headlong to the grave. Think you the worms will care, when anon they make a meal of you, whether you spent your moment sighing wigless in your chamber, or sacked the golden towns of Montezuma? Lookee, the day's nigh spent; 'tis gone careening into time forever. Not a tale's length past we lined our bowels with dinner, and already they growl for more. We are dying men, Ebenezer: i'faith, there's time for naught but bold resolves!”

John Barth

About This Quote

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

Life is fleeting; we rush toward death, indifferent to our deeds, urging bold action before time ends.

In simple terms: Life is short; act boldly now.

Key Takeaway

Seize the moment.

Themes

mortality urgency existence boldness time

Mood

reflective intense

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • Personal goal setting
  • risk taking
  • creative projects
  • legacy planning
  • mindfulness practice

Key Concepts

Existentialism nihilism human condition

Questions to Reflect On

  • What bold resolve will you pursue?
  • How do you confront mortality daily?
A Different Perspective

Boldness may ignore practical constraints.

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