Abyss Quote by Edgar Allan Poe
““And because our reason violently deters us from the brink, therefore, do we the more impetuously approach it. There is no passion in nature so demoniacally impatient, as that of him, who shuddering upon the edge of a precipice, thus meditates a plunge. To indulge for a moment, in any attempt at thought, is to be inevitably lost; for reflection but urges us to forbear, and therefore it is, I say, that we cannot. If there be no friendly arm to check us, or if we fail in a sudden effort to prostrate ourselves backward from the abyss, we plunge, and are destroyed.””
About This Quote
Human curiosity drives us toward dangerous thoughts, yet fear and reflection keep us from reckless self-destruction.
In simple terms: Curiosity tempts us toward peril, but caution restrains us.
Key Takeaway
Balance curiosity with self‑control.
Themes
fear
curiosity
self‑destruction
Mood
foreboding
reflective
Type
philosophical
poetic
When to use this quote
- psychological analysis
- ethical decision‑making
- creative writing
Key Concepts
existential risk
philosophical introspection
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you manage the pull of dangerous ideas?
- When is caution more valuable than daring?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on fear can stifle bold ideas.
![“In the study of this membrane [the retina] I for the first time felt my faith in Darwinism (hypothesis of natural selection) weakened, being amazed and confounded by the supreme constructive ingenuity revealed not only in the retina and in the dioptric apparatus of the vertebrates but even in the…” quote by Santiago Ramon y Cajal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/42d/santiago-ramon-y-cajal-17256_amazed_in-the-study-of-this-membrane-the-retina_1148128.jpg)
![“[British television series] Hammer House of Horror. I used to really enjoy these one-off stories where often there would be an incredibly cruel twist. A good example is the episode with Burgess Meredith and there's a nuclear war and he drops his glasses. To this day, you can show that to anyone…” quote by Charlie Brooker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/79a/charlie-brooker-1392_british_british-television-series-hammer-house-o_709642.jpg)
