Skip to content

Children Quote by Alan Lightman

“Will these millions of children, for generations upon future generations, know that some of their atoms cycled through this woman? [...] Will they feel what she felt in her life, will their memories have flickering strokes of her memories, will they recall that moment long ago when she stood by…” quote by Alan Lightman
Download Open image
““Will these millions of children, for generations upon future generations, know that some of their atoms cycled through this woman? [...] Will they feel what she felt in her life, will their memories have flickering strokes of her memories, will they recall that moment long ago when she stood by the window, guilt ridden and confused, and watched as the tadr bird circled the cistern? No, it is not possible. [...] But I will let them have their own brief glimpse of the Void, just at that moment they pass from living to dead, from animate to inanimate, from consciousness to that which has no consciousness. For a moment, they will understand infinity.””

Alan Lightman

About This Quote

Source Novel: Einstein's Dreams, 1992

The passage reflects on the fleeting connection between individuals across time, suggesting that brief moments can convey profound existential insight.

In simple terms: Brief moments can reveal deep truths about existence.

Key Takeaway

Cherish fleeting experiences that expand perspective.

Themes

mortality memory existence

Mood

contemplative melancholic

Type

poetic existential

When to use this quote

  • death
  • legacy
  • personal reflection
  • creative inspiration

Key Concepts

philosophy science literature

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does infinity mean to you?
  • How can a brief glimpse change your worldview?
A Different Perspective

Moments are limited and may be misinterpreted.

3.0 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Alan Lightman

Explore all 174 Alan Lightman quotes

More Children quotes

Browse all 62,417 Children quotes