Acquaintances Quote by Bae Suah
““Every now and then I picture a subway train at night packed with people I used to know and random people whom I will meet by chance in some distant future. Most of the people I knew long ago now live their lives without me, and those whom I will meet by chance one day do not know me now. They walk by pathetically, their faces gloomy beneath the dim lights of the city hall subway station, jostling my shoulders as they pass.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: “The Subway” by Bae Suah, 2015
The passage reflects on fleeting connections, how past acquaintances drift apart and future strangers remain unknown, evoking melancholy about time and urban anonymity.
In simple terms: Past and future people fade or stay unknown in city life.
Key Takeaway
Cherish present relationships and stay open to new encounters.
Themes
nostalgia
urban life
transience
Mood
melancholic
reflective
Type
literary
personal
When to use this quote
- commuting
- reunion gatherings
- friendship reflections
- urban storytelling
Key Concepts
existential reflection
memory
loneliness
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you stay connected with old friends?
- What can you do to make future encounters meaningful?
A Different Perspective
The sentiment may romanticize loneliness, overlooking the value of intentional community building.
