What is it you do, then? I'll tell you: You leave out…
““What is it you do, then? I'll tell you: You leave out whatever doesn't suit you. As the author himself has done before you. Just as you leave things out of your dreams and fantasies. By leaving things out, we bring beauty and excitement into the world. We evidently handle our reality by effecting some sort of compromise with it, an in-between state where the emotions prevent each other from reaching their fullest intensity, graying the colors somewhat. Children who haven't yet reached that point of control are both happier and unhappier than adults who have. And yes, stupid people also leave things out, which is why ignorance is bliss. So I propose, to begin with, that we try to love each other as if we were characters in a novel who have met in the pages of a book. Let's in any case leave off all the fatty tissue that plumps up reality.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage suggests that we intentionally omit aspects of reality that are uncomfortable or undesirable, creating a curated, more aesthetically pleasing experience, much like editing a story or dream.
In simple terms: We edit reality by leaving out what hurts.
Key Takeaway
Selective omission shapes perception.
Themes
perception
aesthetics
control
subjectivity
human nature
Mood
reflective
philosophical
melancholic
Type
aphorism
reflection
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- personal relationships
- mental health coping
- artistic design
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
emotional regulation
narrative framing
subjective reality
Practical Applications
- editing narratives
- curating personal experiences
Questions to Reflect On
- What aspects of reality do we most often edit out?
- How does selective omission affect our relationships?
A Different Perspective
While omission can enhance beauty, it may also obscure truth and hinder authentic connection.