Attrition Quote by Doug Dorst
““You might say that S. has only himself to blame, that it is entirely his choice to fight this fight, to live a life of vigilant somnolence or somnolent vigilantism, to allow himself to be satisfied with Sola in the margins of his manuscripts instead of in his arms, and you might be right. But you ought to understand, too, that there's an attrition that takes place inside, one in which options and choices and even desires are ground ever smaller until finally their existence can no longer be confirmed by observation or weight or displacement but only by faith. Until desire is a ghost.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: S. by Doug Dorst & J.J. Abrams, 2013
The quote describes how internal erosion of desire and choice can leave a person living in a state of empty vigilance, where only faith sustains existence.
In simple terms: Internal erosion of desire leads to a ghostly existence.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when choices feel hollow and seek authentic purpose.
Themes
identity
choice
existence
faith
vigilance
Mood
reflective
somber
introspective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- creative stagnation
- relationship doubt
- spiritual searching
Key Concepts
psychology
existentialism
self‑deception
Questions to Reflect On
- What choices feel most ghostly to you?
- How can you rekindle authentic desire?
A Different Perspective
It may overemphasize internal struggle, ignoring external factors that shape desire.
