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We are duplicitous, we're blind- and it is hard to live…

“We are duplicitous, we're blind- and it is hard to live, trusting only in life: earthly life is a murky translation from the divine original; the general thought is clear but the primordial music is missing in its words. . . What are passions? Mistakes in the translation. What is love? A rhyme…” quote by Vladimir Nabokov
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““We are duplicitous, we're blind- and it is hard to live, trusting only in life: earthly life is a murky translation from the divine original; the general thought is clear but the primordial music is missing in its words. . . What are passions? Mistakes in the translation. What is love? A rhyme lost in transmission to our discordant language. . . It's time for me to take up the original!””

Vladimir Nabokov

About This Quote

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

Language fails to capture pure emotions, leading to distorted understanding of love and passion.

In simple terms: Words can’t fully express deep feelings, causing misinterpretation.

Key Takeaway

Seek authentic experience beyond words.

Themes

art language philosophy communication

Mood

reflective poetic

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • creative writing
  • personal relationships
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

semiotics translation existentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What emotions do you feel are lost in translation?
  • How can you convey love beyond words?
A Different Perspective

Pure experience may still be limited by personal perception.

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