Listen to me, Defecates-with-Pigeons. Long before any of…
““Listen to me, Defecates-with-Pigeons. Long before any of you came here, we dream'd of you. All the people, even Nations far to the South and the West, dreamt you before ever we saw you,— we believ'd that you came from some other World, or the Sky. You had Powers and we respected them. Yet you never dream'd of us, and when at last you saw us, wish'd only to destroy us. Then the killing started,— some of you, some of us,— but not nearly as many as we'd been expecting. You could not be the Giants of long ago, who would simply have wip'd us away, and for less. Instead, you sold us your Powers,— your Rifles,— as if encouraging us to shoot at you,— and so we did, tho' not hitting as many of you, as you were expecting. Now you begin to believe that we have come from elsewhere, possessing Powers you do not— Those of us who knew how, have fled into Refuge in your Dreams, at last. Tho' we now pursue real lives no different at their Hearts from yours, we are also your Dreams.””
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 on humanity's fear of the unknown, the cycle of conflict, and the paradox of seeking power while being destroyed by it.
In simple terms: People fear unknown powers, leading to conflict and destruction.
Key Takeaway
Recognize fear, avoid destructive cycles.
Themes
fear
conflict
power
humanity
paradox
Mood
cynical
dark
thoughtful
Type
literary
satirical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- war
- colonialism
- technological advancement
- cultural exchange
- environmental crisis
Key Concepts
existentialism
political satire
mythology
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives humanity to repeat destructive patterns?
- How can we break the cycle of fear and aggression?
A Different Perspective
The narrative may romanticize conflict rather than propose solutions.