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We lay on the ground and kissed. Perhaps you smile. That…

“We lay on the ground and kissed. Perhaps you smile. That we only lay on the ground and kissed. You young people can lend your bodies now, play with them, give them as we could not. But remember that you have paid a price: that of a world rich in mystery and delicate emotion. It is not only species…” quote by John Fowles
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“We lay on the ground and kissed. Perhaps you smile. That we only lay on the ground and kissed. You young people can lend your bodies now, play with them, give them as we could not. But remember that you have paid a price: that of a world rich in mystery and delicate emotion. It is not only species of animal that die out. But whole species of feeling. And if you are wise you will never pity the past for what it did not know. But pity yourself for what it did.”

John Fowles

About This Quote

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

The passage warns that neglecting emotional depth and wonder costs humanity more than biological loss; we must cherish feeling as a vital species.

In simple terms: Ignoring emotions leads to loss of humanity.

Key Takeaway

Protect and nurture emotional richness.

Themes

empathy environmentalism humanity

Mood

reflective somber

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • education
  • artistic creation
  • personal reflection
  • community building

Key Concepts

existentialism ecology psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we prioritize feeling in a tech‑driven world?
  • What practices sustain emotional awareness?
A Different Perspective

Emotions can be hard to quantify and protect.

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