Skip to content

Emptiness Quote by Anne Rice

“But to think there was meaning, a scheme to things, well, that was quite beyond her philosophical reach. She feared as she always had, that all that was ever meant was loneliness, hard work, striving to make a difference when no difference could possibly be made. It was like dipping a stick into…” quote by Anne Rice
Download Open image
““But to think there was meaning, a scheme to things, well, that was quite beyond her philosophical reach. She feared as she always had, that all that was ever meant was loneliness, hard work, striving to make a difference when no difference could possibly be made. It was like dipping a stick into the ocean and trying to write something – all the little people of the world spinning out little patterns that lasted no more than a few years, and meant nothing at all.””

Anne Rice

About This Quote

Source Novel: Interview with the Vampire, Anne Rice, 1976

The speaker feels that life's efforts are futile, and that meaning is beyond her grasp, leading to a sense of loneliness and endless striving.

In simple terms: Life feels meaningless and lonely despite effort.

Key Takeaway

Accept uncertainty and seek personal meaning.

Themes

loneliness existentialism effort meaninglessness

Mood

melancholic contemplative

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • creative writing
  • mental health coping
  • philosophical discussion

Key Concepts

philosophical despair human condition futility

Questions to Reflect On

  • What gives you a sense of purpose despite futility?
  • How can you find meaning in small moments?
A Different Perspective

Even if meaning feels absent, purpose can be self‑created.

3.2 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Anne Rice

Explore all 826 Anne Rice quotes

More Emptiness quotes

Browse all 1,374 Emptiness quotes