We’re going to meet a lot of lonely people in the next…
““We’re going to meet a lot of lonely people in the next week and the next month and the next year. And when they ask us what we’re doing, you can say, We’re remembering. That’s where we’ll win out in the long run. And some day we’ll remember so much that we’ll build the biggest ... steamshovel in history and dig the biggest grave of all time and shove war in and cover it up. Come on now, we’re going to go build a mirror factory first and put out nothing but mirrors for the next year and take a long look in them.””
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 suggests that by remembering and reflecting on humanity’s loneliness and conflict, we can ultimately create a future that confronts and hides war, using mirrors as a metaphor for self‑examination.
In simple terms: Remembering helps us confront war and reflect on ourselves.
Key Takeaway
Reflect, then act to end conflict.
Themes
memory
reflection
war
peace
self‑examination
Mood
thoughtful
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- conflict resolution
- creative projects
- public policy
Key Concepts
philosophy
humanism
metaphor
Questions to Reflect On
- How can remembering change our approach to war?
- What does building a mirror factory symbolize?
A Different Perspective
Mirrors only show what we allow; action requires more than reflection.