In every one of these "chrysalis" worlds thousands of…
““In every one of these "chrysalis" worlds thousands of millions of persons were flashing into existence, one after the other, to drift gropingly about for a few instants of cosmical time before they were extinguished. Most were capable, at least in some humble degree, of the intimate kind of community which is personal affection; but for nearly all of them a stranger was ever a thing to fear and hate. And even their intimate loving was inconstant and lacking in insight. Nearly always they were intent merely on seeking for themselves respite from fatigue or boredom, fear or hunger. Like my own race, they never fully awoke from the primeval sleep of the subman. Only a few here and there, now and then, were solaced, goaded, or tortured by moments of true wakefulness. Still fewer attained a clear and constant vision, even of some partial aspect of truth; and their half-truths they nearly always took to be absolute. Propagating their little partial truths, they bewildered and misdirected their fellow mortals as much as they helped them.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Humanity’s fleeting existence is marked by brief, self‑centered lives lacking deep insight, with few achieving true understanding.
In simple terms: Lives are short and often shallow, few see truth.
Key Takeaway
Seek deeper insight and lasting purpose.
Themes
existence
knowledge
truth
community
ignorance
Mood
reflective
melancholic
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- education
- leadership
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
philosophy
existentialism
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- What prevents deeper insight?
- How can we foster lasting truth?
A Different Perspective
Many remain trapped in superficial concerns, limiting collective progress.