---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I sleep on my elbows propped painfully on…"
description: "\"“I sleep on my elbows propped painfully on the railing and feel a great promise in knowing nothing.”\" — Fernando Pessoa"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fcb/fernando-pessoa-177_quote_i-sleep-on-my-elbows-propped-painfully-o_2053396.jpg"
---

#  I sleep on my elbows propped painfully on the railing and…

![“I sleep on my elbows propped painfully on the railing and feel a great promise in knowing nothing.” quote by Fernando Pessoa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fcb/fernando-pessoa-177_quote_i-sleep-on-my-elbows-propped-painfully-o_2053396.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fcb/fernando-pessoa-177_quote_i-sleep-on-my-elbows-propped-painfully-o_2053396.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fcb/fernando-pessoa-177_quote_i-sleep-on-my-elbows-propped-painfully-o_2053396.jpg)

> ““I sleep on my elbows propped painfully on the railing and feel a great promise in knowing nothing.””

[Fernando Pessoa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fernando-pessoa/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Reflecting on uncertainty brings a promise of unknown possibilities.

**In simple terms:** Uncertainty holds promise.

Key Takeaway

Embrace uncertainty.

Themes

existential philosophy uncertainty

Mood

thoughtful melancholic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

- creative writing
- decision making
- personal growth

Key Concepts

existentialism literature self‑reflection

Questions to Reflect On

- What does the unknown promise you?
- How do you stay grounded amid uncertainty?

A Different Perspective

Uncertainty can cause anxiety if not balanced.

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## More by Fernando Pessoa

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> [“Tudo vale a pena quando a alma não é pequena”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fernando-pessoa/tudo-vale-a-pena-quando-a-alma-n-o-pequena/)

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> [pg.9 "In my heart there's a peaceful anguish, and my calm is made of resignation.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fernando-pessoa/pg-9-in-my-heart-there-s-a-peaceful-anguish-and-my-calm-is-made-of/)

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> [“I try to say what I feel Without thinking about what I feel. I try to place words right next to my idea So…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fernando-pessoa/i-try-to-say-what-i-feel-without-thinking-about-what-i-feel-i-try-to/)

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