Trippers and askers surround me, People I meet, the effect…
““Trippers and askers surround me, People I meet, the effect upon me of my early life or the ward and city I live in, or the nation, The latest dates, discoveries, inventions, societies, authors old and new, My dinner, dress, associates, looks, compliments, dues, The real or fancied indifference of some man or woman I love, The sickness of one of my folks or of myself, or ill-doing or loss or lack of money, or depressions or exaltations, Battles, the horrors of fratricidal war, the fever of doubtful news, the fitful events; These come to me days and nights and go from me again, But they are not the Me myself. Apart from the pulling and hauling stands what I am, Stands amused, complacent, compassionating, idle, unitary, Looks down, is erect, or bends an arm on an impalpable certain rest, Looking with side-curved head curious what will come next, Both in and out of the game and watching and wondering at it. Backward I see in my own days where I sweated through fog with linguists and contenders, I have no mockings or arguments, I witness and wait. ””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker observes countless external influences—people, events, news—yet distinguishes them from his core self, noting a detached, contemplative stance amid life's chaos.
In simple terms: External events flood the mind, but the self remains separate.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate inner stillness.
Themes
identity
perception
detachment
Mood
contemplative
thoughtful
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- daily news consumption
- social interactions
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
self‑awareness
external stimuli
philosophical introspection
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you separate your identity from external pressures?
- What practices help you stay centered?