Confidence Quote by E.L. Doctorow
““To Morgan, the disfigurement of his monstrous nose was the touch of God upon him, the assurance of mortality. It was the steadiest assurance he had.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Book of Daniel by E.L. Doctorow, 1971
The character sees his physical deformity as a divine sign of his mortality, giving him a steady, unsettling certainty about life.
In simple terms: His scar is a reminder that he will die.
Key Takeaway
Accept that physical flaws can carry deeper meaning.
Themes
mortality
identity
divine sign
acceptance
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- health diagnosis
- spiritual reflection
- artistic creation
Key Concepts
existentialism
symbolism
self‑perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How does confronting mortality change your daily choices?
- What does a physical mark teach you about self‑identity?
A Different Perspective
It may also cause alienation or self‑obsession.
![“Thomas Goodwin Jr. wrote of his godly father: In all the violence of [his fever], he discoursed with that strength of faith and assurance of Christ’s love, with that holy admiration of free grace, with that joy in believing, and such thanksgivings and praises, as he extremely moved and affected…” quote by Thomas Goodwin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0a3/thomas-goodwin-15928_communion-with-god_thomas-goodwin-jr-wrote-of-his-godly-fat_122316.jpg)
