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Don't you ever doubt it?" Davy asked. And in fact I have…

“Don't you ever doubt it?" Davy asked. And in fact I have. And perhaps will again. But here is what happens. I look out the window at the red farm--for here we live, Sara and I, in a new house across the meadow, a house built by capable arms and open lungs and joyous sweat. Maybe I see our…” quote by Leif Enger
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““Don't you ever doubt it?" Davy asked. And in fact I have. And perhaps will again. But here is what happens. I look out the window at the red farm--for here we live, Sara and I, in a new house across the meadow, a house built by capable arms and open lungs and joyous sweat. Maybe I see our daughter, home from school, picking plums or apples for Roxanna; maybe one of our sons. reading on the grass or painting an upended canoe. Or maybe Sara comes into the room--my darling Sara--with Mr. Cassidy's beloved rolls on a steaming plate. Then I breathe deeply, and certainty enters into me like light, like a piece of science, and curious music seems to hum inside my fingers. Is there a single person on whom I can press belief? No sir. All I can do is say, Here's how it went. Here's what I saw. I've been there and am going back. Make of it what you will.””

Leif Enger

About This Quote

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

The narrator reflects on fleeting certainty, finding comfort in describing lived experience rather than absolute belief.

In simple terms: Finding comfort in sharing what we see.

Key Takeaway

Share observations to ground yourself.

Themes

uncertainty observation family comfort

Mood

contemplative reflective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • family dinner
  • writing
  • daily reflection
  • parenting
  • home life

Key Concepts

existentialism narrative truth subjective reality

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you cope when certainty fades?
  • What role does storytelling play in your confidence?
A Different Perspective

Reliance on personal narrative may still leave deeper doubts unresolved.

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