Age Quote by Clive Barker
“Nothing ever begins. There is no first moment; no single word or place from which this or any story springs. The threads can always be traced back to some earlier tale, and the tales that preceded that; though as the narrator's voice recedes the connections will seem to grow more tenuous, for each age will want the tale told as if it were of its own making.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Thief of Always by Clive Barker, 1992
Stories are interwoven; no narrative has a singular origin, each tale links to earlier ones, making origins ambiguous.
In simple terms: Stories have no single start; they connect to earlier tales.
Key Takeaway
Accept that narratives are part of a larger continuum.
Themes
storytelling
history
continuity
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- writing
- teaching
- historical analysis
- creative brainstorming
Key Concepts
intertextuality
mythology
narrative theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How does recognizing interconnected origins change your view of creativity?
- Can you trace a modern story to its ancient roots?
A Different Perspective
Origins may be unknowable, limiting definitive attribution.
