Skip to content

I think so. There are so many tales, so strange and…

“I think so. There are so many tales, so strange and beautiful and perfect. They are not what are real, but better. I thought I had something that was magic once, but I lost it, and now I don’t think it was at all.” She touched her chest where the handkerchief had been and frowned. “I wish there…” quote by Shannon Hale
Download Open image
““I think so. There are so many tales, so strange and beautiful and perfect. They are not what are real, but better. I thought I had something that was magic once, but I lost it, and now I don’t think it was at all.” She touched her chest where the handkerchief had been and frowned. “I wish there was magic. If all the tales were true, then maybe they could tell me what I’m doing, and what I am to do now.” “Ah, now, don’t cry over lost years and forgetfulness. The tales tell what they can. The rest is for us to learn. The question is, are we smart enough to figure for ourselves? Now, that’s what I’d like to know.””

Shannon Hale

About This Quote

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

The speaker longs for a magical narrative that explains life, but must accept reality and learn through experience.

In simple terms: Wishes for magic, but must learn from reality.

Key Takeaway

Embrace learning, not fantasy.

Themes

longing reality self-discovery

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • Coping with loss
  • seeking purpose
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

Narrative meaning agency

Questions to Reflect On

  • What can you learn from your own story?
  • How do you balance imagination with reality?
A Different Perspective

Magic cannot replace personal effort.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Shannon Hale

Explore all 358 Shannon Hale quotes

More Storytelling quotes

Browse all 5,638 Storytelling quotes