Kraken Quote by China Miéville
““The sea is full of saints. You know that? You know that: you're a big boy. The sea's full of saints and it's been full of saints for years. Since longer than anything. Saints were there before there were even gods. They were waiting for them, and they're still there now. Saints eat fish and shellfish. Some of them catch jellyfish and some of them eat rubbish. Some saints eat anything they can find. They hide under rocks; they turn themselves inside out: they spit up spirals. There's nothing saints don't do. Make this shape with your hands. Like that. Move your fingers. There, you made a saint. Look out, here come another one! Now they're fighting! Yours won. There aren't any big corkscrew saints anymore, but there are still ones like sacks and ones like coils, and ones like robes with flapping sleeves. What's your favourite saint? I'll tell you mine. But wait a minute, first, do you know what it is makes them all saints? They're all a holy family, they're all cousins. Of each other, and of ... you know what else they're cousins of? That's right. Of gods. Alright now. Who was it made you? You know what to say. Who made you?””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Uncommon Objects, China Miéville, 2015
The passage uses absurd, mythic imagery of saints in the sea to illustrate the fluid, interconnected nature of belief and identity, suggesting all things are related and sacred in their own way.
In simple terms: Saints in the sea symbolize interconnected, sacred aspects of existence.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the sacred in everyday diversity.
Themes
myth
interconnectedness
identity
creativity
humor
Mood
playful
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- storytelling
- creative writing
- philosophical discussion
- artistic inspiration
Key Concepts
mythology
symbolism
anthropology
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “saint” represent in your life?
- How does humor affect your perception of sacredness?
A Different Perspective
The whimsical tone may obscure deeper philosophical points for some readers.
