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That’s what it was like to be alive. To move about in a…

“That’s what it was like to be alive. To move about in a cloud of ignorance; to go up and down trampling on the feelings of those...of those about you. To spend and waste time as though you had a million years. To be always at the mercy of one self-centered passion, or another. Now you know- that’s…” quote by Thornton Wilder
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“That’s what it was like to be alive. To move about in a cloud of ignorance; to go up and down trampling on the feelings of those...of those about you. To spend and waste time as though you had a million years. To be always at the mercy of one self-centered passion, or another. Now you know- that’s the happy existence you wanted to go back to. Ignorance and blindness. -Simon Stimson, OUR TOWN”

Thornton Wilder

About This Quote

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

The quote reflects on the paradox of human existence, caught between ignorance and fleeting moments, yearning for a simple, blissful state despite self‑centered passions.

In simple terms: Human life is a mix of ignorance, fleeting time, and selfish drives.

Key Takeaway

Embrace humility and seek clarity.

Themes

existence ignorance passion yearning

Mood

contemplative melancholic

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • daily reflection
  • personal growth
  • mindfulness

Key Concepts

human nature philosophy existentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does “happy existence” truly mean for you?
  • How can we balance self‑interest with broader awareness?
A Different Perspective

The desire for simplicity may ignore complex realities.

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