Crumbling Quote by Don DeLillo
“The power of the dead is that we think they see us all the time. The dead have a presence. Is there a level of energy composed solely of the dead? They are also in the ground, of course, asleep and crumbling. Perhaps we are what they dream.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: White Noise, 1985
The quote suggests that the dead exert an unseen influence, implying a lingering presence that watches over the living.
In simple terms: The dead seem to watch us and affect us.
Consider how past influences shape present actions.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- grief counseling
- creative writing
- philosophical debate
- heritage preservation
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you feel about the idea of being observed by the past?
- Can you identify ways the dead influence your daily life?
The concept of a “dead energy” is metaphorical and not scientifically measurable.