Has beens Quote by Cees Nooteboom
“Man has been thrown into the world. It had always made him think of Icarus and those other great tumblers, Ixion, Phaeton, Tantalus - all these jumpers without parachutes from a world of gods and heroes.”
About This Quote
Human existence is portrayed as a reckless plunge into a realm beyond mortal control, echoing mythic figures who defied limits and suffered for overreaching.
In simple terms: Life is a daring, unprotected descent.
Key Takeaway
We confront a world larger than ourselves.
Themes
existentialism
mythology
hubris
human vulnerability
fate
Mood
awe
melancholy
wonder
Type
aphoristic
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- contemplating mortality
- facing existential crisis
- navigating ambition
- reflecting on destiny
Key Concepts
human condition
mythic archetype
cosmic indifference
Practical Applications
- philosophical essays
- literary analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to live without safety nets?
- How do myths shape our perception of risk?
