Ambiguity Quote by Anonymous
“In overlooking, denying, evading this complexity--which is nothing more than the disquieting complexity of ourselves--we are diminished and we perish; only within this web of ambiguity, paradox, this hunger, danger, darkness, can we find at once ourselves and the power that will free us from ourselves. It is this power of revelation that is the business of the novelist, this journey toward a more vast reality which must take precedence over other claims.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Fiction by Henry James, 1884 (paraphrased)
Confronting our inner complexity reveals self‑knowledge and the power to transcend personal limits.
In simple terms: Face complexity to grow.
Key Takeaway
Explore inner contradictions.
Themes
self‑discovery
transcendence
creativity
Mood
reflective
provocative
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing
- therapy
- personal growth
- artistic creation
Key Concepts
Existentialism
literary theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What complexities do you avoid?
- How can embracing paradox expand your vision?
A Different Perspective
Denial may protect comfort but hinders true insight.
![“Whensoever we would proceed beyond [the] simple ideas we have from sensation and reflection, and dive farther into the nature of things, we fall presently into darkness and obscurity, perplexedness and difficulties;and can discover nothing farther but our own blindnessand ignorance.” quote by John Locke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8bc/john-locke-814_darkness_whensoever-we-would-proceed-beyond-the-s_199491.jpg)
