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I've nothing against eye make-up and lipstick. But the…

“I've nothing against eye make-up and lipstick. But the fact is we're actually living on a planet in space. For me that's an extraordinary thought. It's mind-boggling just to think about the existence of space at all. But there are girls who can't see the universe for eye-liner. And there are…” quote by Jostein Gaarder
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““I've nothing against eye make-up and lipstick. But the fact is we're actually living on a planet in space. For me that's an extraordinary thought. It's mind-boggling just to think about the existence of space at all. But there are girls who can't see the universe for eye-liner. And there are probably boys whose eyes are never raised above the horizon because of football. There can be quite a chasm between a small make-up mirror and a proper mirror telescope! I think it's what they call a 'matter of perspective'. Perhaps it could also be called an 'eye-opener' as well. It's never too late to experience an eye-opener. But many people live their entire lives without realizing that they're floating through empty space. There's too much going on down here. It's hard enough thinking about your looks. We belong on this earth. I'm not trying to dispute it. We're part of nature's life on this planet. Monkeys and reptiles have shown us how we breed, and I have no quarrel with that. In different natural surroundings everything might have been very different, but here we are. And I repeat: I'm not denying it. I just don't think that prevent us from trying to see a little beyond the ends of our noses.””

Jostein Gaarder

About This Quote

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

The quote highlights how everyday concerns can blind us to the vastness of the universe, urging broader awareness beyond superficial focus.

In simple terms: People often miss big truths because they focus on small details.

Key Takeaway

Look beyond surface concerns.

Themes

perspective awareness cosmic humility

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • daily routine
  • media consumption
  • education
  • travel
  • science outreach

Key Concepts

existentialism mindfulness

Questions to Reflect On

  • What small habit keeps you from seeing the bigger picture?
  • How can you integrate wonder into daily life?
A Different Perspective

It may be hard to shift attention from personal appearance to cosmic scale.

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