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My race is very old," Ketho said. "We have been civilized…

“My race is very old," Ketho said. "We have been civilized for a thousand millenia. We have histories of hundreds of those millenia. We have tried everything. Anarchism, with the rest. But I have not tried it. They say there is nothing new under any sun. But if each life is not new, each single…” quote by Ursula K. Le Guin
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““My race is very old," Ketho said. "We have been civilized for a thousand millenia. We have histories of hundreds of those millenia. We have tried everything. Anarchism, with the rest. But I have not tried it. They say there is nothing new under any sun. But if each life is not new, each single life, then why are we born?””

Ursula K. Le Guin

About This Quote

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

A character reflects on humanity’s long history, the claim that nothing is new, and wonders why we are born if each life isn’t truly new.

In simple terms: We question the novelty of life despite long histories.

Key Takeaway

Explore what makes each life unique.

Themes

existential philosophy history

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • personal introspection
  • philosophical debate
  • literary analysis
  • spiritual inquiry

Key Concepts

novelty meaning of life

Questions to Reflect On

  • What truly makes a life feel new?
  • How does history shape our sense of individuality?
A Different Perspective

The quote may overgeneralize human experience across cultures.

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