...Another part of the ritual was to ascend with closed…
““...Another part of the ritual was to ascend with closed eyes. 'Step, step, step,' came my mother's voice as she led me up - and sure enough, the surface of the next tread would receive the blind child's confident foot; all one had to do was lift it a little higher than usual, so as to avoid stubbing one's toe against the riser. This slow, somewhat somnambulistic ascension in self-engendered darkness held obvious delights. The keenest of them was not knowing when the last step would come. At the top of the stairs, one's foot would be automatically lifted to the deceptive call of 'Step,' and then, with a momentary sense of exquisite panic, with a wild contraction of muscles, would sink into the phantasm of a step, padded, as it were, with the infinitely elastic stuff of its own nonexistence.””
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 describes a ritual of blind ascent, emphasizing trust, uncertainty, and the thrill of moving forward without seeing the next step.
In simple terms: Blind ascent teaches trust and embracing uncertainty.
Key Takeaway
Embrace uncertainty and keep moving forward.
Themes
trust
uncertainty
ritual
growth
fear
anticipation
Mood
curious
reflective
inspired
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- personal development
- creative writing
- mindfulness
- overcoming fear
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
embodiment
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you trust the unknown?
- What benefits arise from embracing uncertainty?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may overlook the need for planning and safety in real life.