Destiny Quote by E. T. A. Hoffmann

“There are men from whom nature or some peculiar destiny has removed the cover beneath which we hide our own madness. They are likethin-skinned insects whose visible play of muscles seem to make them deformed, though in fact, everything soon turns to its normal shape again.” quote by E. T. A. Hoffmann — Download Open image

“There are men from whom nature or some peculiar destiny has removed the cover beneath which we hide our own madness. They are likethin-skinned insects whose visible play of muscles seem to make them deformed, though in fact, everything soon turns to its normal shape again.”

E. T. A. Hoffmann

About This Quote

Source Story: The Sandman, 1816, by E. T. A. Hoffmann

Some people hide madness behind a fragile exterior that eventually returns to normal.

In simple terms: Madness can be hidden.

Key Takeaway

Recognize hidden struggles.

Themes

psychology identity normalcy

Mood

thoughtful cautious

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

mental health
social interactions
creative work

Key Concepts

existentialism human nature

Questions to Reflect On

What masks your true self?
When does normalcy become a façade?

A Different Perspective

Not all hidden madness is harmless.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3.3 out of 5 (8 ratings)

Deformed Destiny Facts Hide Madness Insects Madness Men Men Nature Muscles Nature Nature Peculiar Normal Peculiar Play Seems Shapes Skinned Insects Turns Visible

More by E. T. A. Hoffmann

It is useless to contend with the irresistible power of Time, which goes on continually creating by a process of constant destruction.

E. T. A. Hoffmann

Image

Is it not in the most absolute simplicity that real genius plies its pinions the most wonderfully?

E. T. A. Hoffmann

Image

The human spirit is itself the most wonderful fairy tale that can possibly be. What a magnificent world lies enclosed within our bosoms! No…

E. T. A. Hoffmann

Image

How prone poor Humanity is to dam up the minutest remnants of its freedom, and build an artificial roof to prevent it looking up…

E. T. A. Hoffmann

Image

Everything here below beneath the sun is subject to continual change; and perhaps there is nothing which can be called more inconstant than opinion,…

E. T. A. Hoffmann

Image

Not a single man on earth knows from his own experience the how and where of his birth, only from tradition, which is often…

E. T. A. Hoffmann

Image

Every year lays more earth upon us, which weighs us down from aerial regions, till we go under the earth at last.

E. T. A. Hoffmann

Image

There is nothing more marvelous or madder than real life.

E. T. A. Hoffmann

Image

As the priest is characterized by his cassock, so the smoker by his pipe. The way in which he holds it, raises it to…

E. T. A. Hoffmann

Image

It is true that writers often owe their most inspired thoughts, their most extraordinary phrases, to their generous typesetters, who assist their flights of…

E. T. A. Hoffmann