Skip to content

Nevertheless, this is where it begins. The first word…

“Nevertheless, this is where it begins. The first word appears only at a moment when nothing can be explained anymore, at some instant of experience that defies all sense. To be reduced to saying nothing. Or else, to say himself: this is what haunts me. And then to realize, almost in the same…” quote by Paul Auster
Download Open image
““Nevertheless, this is where it begins. The first word appears only at a moment when nothing can be explained anymore, at some instant of experience that defies all sense. To be reduced to saying nothing. Or else, to say himself: this is what haunts me. And then to realize, almost in the same breath, that this is what he haunts.””

Paul Auster

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 explores the moment when language fails, confronting the ineffable and the haunting presence of the unknown.

In simple terms: When words fail, the unknown haunts us.

Key Takeaway

Embrace silence and the mystery.

Themes

existentialism language haunting identity

Mood

introspective enigmatic

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • creative writing
  • philosophical contemplation
  • artistic inspiration
  • personal crisis

Key Concepts

ineffability self reflection

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the unknown reveal about yourself?
  • How do you confront moments when language fails?
A Different Perspective

Silence can also be a barrier to understanding.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Paul Auster

Explore all 582 Paul Auster quotes

More Time quotes

Browse all 215,255 Time quotes