Mutilated Quote by Adam Zagajewski
““Try to praise the mutilated world. Remember June’s long days, and wild strawberries, drops of wine, the dew. The nettles that methodically overgrow the abandoned homesteads of exiles. You must praise the mutilated world. You watched the stylish yachts and ships; one of them had a long trip ahead of it, while salty oblivion awaited others. You’ve seen the refugees heading nowhere, You’ve heard the executioners sing joyfully. You should praise the mutilated world. Remember the moments when we were together in a white room and the curtain fluttered. Return in thought to the concert where music flared. You gathered acorns in the park in autumn and leaves eddied over the earth's scars. Praise the mutilated world and the gray feathers a thrush lost, and the gentle light that strays and vanishes and returns.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “Mutilated World” from collection “The Book of Disquiet”, 2020
Finding beauty in brokenness reminds us of resilience and the fleeting nature of joy amid suffering.
In simple terms: See beauty in broken places.
Key Takeaway
Notice resilience in ruin.
Themes
beauty
resilience
impermanence
Mood
melancholic
hopeful
Type
poetic
reflective
When to use this quote
- war zones
- refugee camps
- personal loss
- artistic creation
Key Concepts
poetry
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- What broken things have you cherished?
- How does acknowledging pain shape hope?
A Different Perspective
May romanticize suffering, overlooking real pain.
