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Nothing is more likely to become garbage than orange rind…

“Nothing is more likely to become garbage than orange rind; but for as long as anyone looks at it in delight, it stands a million triumphant miles from the trash heap. That, you know, is why the world exists at all. It remains outside the cosmic garbage can of nothingness, not because it is such a…” quote by Robert Farrar Capon
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““Nothing is more likely to become garbage than orange rind; but for as long as anyone looks at it in delight, it stands a million triumphant miles from the trash heap. That, you know, is why the world exists at all. It remains outside the cosmic garbage can of nothingness, not because it is such a solemn necessity that nobody can get rid of it, but because it is the orange peel hung on God's chandelier, the wishbone in His kitchen closet. He likes it; therefore, it stays. The whole marvelous collection of stones, skins, feathers, and string exists because at least one lover has never quite taken His eye off it, because the Dominus vivificans has his delight with the sons of men.””

Robert Farrar Capon

About This Quote

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

Delightful appreciation preserves objects from being discarded, giving meaning to existence.

In simple terms: Appreciation keeps things from being thrown away.

Key Takeaway

Find wonder to value the world.

Themes

meaning appreciation existence

Mood

joyful contemplative

Type

poetic spiritual

When to use this quote

  • art criticism
  • environmental conservation
  • personal gratitude practices
  • spiritual reflection

Key Concepts

aesthetics theology cosmic perspective

Questions to Reflect On

  • What simple thing do you cherish?
  • How does gratitude change your view of waste?
A Different Perspective

Not everyone shares the same sense of wonder.

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