Skip to content

He said there was great pain,' the man muttered. 'I asked…

“He said there was great pain,' the man muttered. 'I asked How long? He said For ever. The wound heals around him, you see. She couldn't command, you see. Not for something like that. He volunteered—' The man's throat closed up, then. He spun away, bolted through the gangway and out of sight…” quote by Steven Erikson
Download Open image
““He said there was great pain,' the man muttered. 'I asked How long? He said For ever. The wound heals around him, you see. She couldn't command, you see. Not for something like that. He volunteered—' The man's throat closed up, then. He spun away, bolted through the gangway and out of sight. 'Clanless,' Heboric said from the forecastle. 'As good as useless. Existence without meaning…' Gesler kicked one of the severed heads across the deck. Its uneven thumping was loud in the still air. 'Who still wants to live for ever?" he growled, then spat.””

Steven Erikson

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 reflects existential dread, the futility of endless existence, and the search for meaning amidst suffering and violence.

In simple terms: Life feels meaningless without purpose, especially when pain is endless.

Key Takeaway

Seek purpose, not immortality.

Themes

existentialism meaninglessness violence survival mortality

Mood

dark reflective grim

Type

literary philosophical dialogue

When to use this quote

  • war
  • personal crisis
  • philosophical contemplation
  • seeking purpose

Key Concepts

nihilism absurdity human condition

Questions to Reflect On

  • What gives your life meaning?
  • Can pain be transformed into purpose?
A Different Perspective

Immortality may not solve suffering; meaning can be found in fleeting moments.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Steven Erikson

Explore all 452 Steven Erikson quotes

More Growled quotes

Browse all 295 Growled quotes