Skip to content

Is any of this real? Dangerous question. Sometimes I don’t…

“Is any of this real? Dangerous question. Sometimes I don’t know the answer. I doubt myself. I doubt what I think I know. I try to forget about it. After all, if it’s real, why doesn’t anyone else know about it. Every one knows that change is inevitable. From the second law of thermodynamics to…” quote by Octavia E. Butler
Download Open image
““Is any of this real? Dangerous question. Sometimes I don’t know the answer. I doubt myself. I doubt what I think I know. I try to forget about it. After all, if it’s real, why doesn’t anyone else know about it. Every one knows that change is inevitable. From the second law of thermodynamics to Darwinian evolution, from Buddhism’s insistence that nothing is permanent and all suffering results from our delusions of permanence to the third chapter of Ecclesiastes (“To everything there is a season”), change is part of life, of existence, of the common wisdom. But I don’t believe we’re dealing with all that that means. We haven’t even begun to deal with it.””

Octavia E. Butler

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 questions reality and doubts knowledge, yet acknowledges that change is inevitable and universal, though we may not fully grasp its implications.

In simple terms: Doubt about reality versus inevitable change.

Key Takeaway

Embrace uncertainty and seek understanding.

Themes

philosophy existentialism change knowledge uncertainty

Mood

contemplative thoughtful

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • Personal introspection
  • academic study
  • spiritual practice
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

Epistemology impermanence thermodynamics evolution Buddhist thought

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you reconcile personal doubt with universal truths?
  • What does “real” mean to you?
A Different Perspective

Change is constant but our perception of it can be limited.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Octavia E. Butler

Explore all 131 Octavia E. Butler quotes

More Art of life quotes

Browse all 957 Art of life quotes