Blindness Quote by Annie Dillard
““I chanced on a wonderful book by Marius von Senden, called Space and Sight. . . . For the newly sighted, vision is pure sensation unencumbered by meaning: "The girl went through the experience that we all go through and forget, the moment we are born. She saw, but it did not mean anything but a lot of different kinds of brightness." . . . In general the newly sighted see the world as a dazzle of color-patches. They are pleased by the sensation of color, and learn quickly to name the colors, but the rest of seeing is tormentingly difficult. . . . The mental effort involved . . . proves overwhelming for many patients. It oppresses them to realize, if they ever do at all, the tremendous size of the world, which they had previously conceived of as something touchingly manageable. . . . A disheartening number of them refuse to use their new vision, continuing to go over objects with their tongues, and lapsing into apathy and despair. . . . On the other hand, many newly sighted people speak well of the world, and teach us how dull is our own vision.””
About This Quote
The passage describes how newly sighted individuals experience overwhelming sensory input, leading to both awe and distress, highlighting the challenges of adapting to new perception.
In simple terms: New vision brings intense color and confusion.
Key Takeaway
Adapt gradually to new sensory experiences.
Themes
perception
disability
neuroscience
psychology
human experience
Mood
reflective
empathetic
Type
analytical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- rehabilitation therapy
- art therapy
- educational programs
- support groups
Key Concepts
sensory overload
neuroplasticity
adjustment processes
Questions to Reflect On
- How can support systems ease sensory overload?
- What strategies help integrate new perception healthily?
A Different Perspective
Some may romanticize the experience, overlooking hardship.
