It seems to me absolutely true, that our world, which…
“It seems to me absolutely true, that our world, which appears to us the surface of all things, is really the bottom of a deep ocean: all our trees are submarine growths, and we are weird, scaly-clad submarine fauna, feeding ourselves on offal like shrimps. Only occasionally the soul rises gasping through the fathomless fathoms under which we live, far up to the surface of the ether, where there is true air.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: Unpublished verse, early 20th century
Life is likened to a deep ocean where humanity is hidden beneath surface appearances, occasionally glimpsing higher truth.
In simple terms: We live deep, surface only occasionally.
Key Takeaway
Seek deeper awareness beyond appearances.
Themes
philosophy
existence
spirituality
Mood
contemplative
melancholic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- creative writing
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
metaphor
cosmology
duality
Questions to Reflect On
- What hidden depths do you ignore?
- How can you surface more often?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may obscure practical action.