Good thing Quote by Franz Wright
““The all-night convenience store's empty and no one is behind the counter. You open and shut the glass door a few times causing a bell to go off, but no one appears. You only came to buy a pack of cigarettes, maybe a copy of yesterday's newspaper -- finally you take one and leave thirty-five cents in its place. It is freezing, but it is a good thing to step outside again: you can feel less alone in the night, with lights on here and there between the dark buildings and trees. Your own among them, somewhere. There must be thousands of people in this city who are dying to welcome you into their small bolted rooms, to sit you down and tell you what has happened to their lives. And the night smells like snow. Walking home for a moment you almost believe you could start again. And an intense love rushes to your heart, and hope. It's unendurable, unendurable.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The All-Night Convenience Store” (published in his collection “The End of the World”)
A solitary night walk in a deserted store sparks a sudden surge of love and hope, despite the bleak surroundings.
In simple terms: Loneliness can ignite unexpected hope and love.
Key Takeaway
Embrace moments of isolation as chances for renewal.
Themes
loneliness
hope
urban life
night
renewal
Mood
melancholic
hopeful
introspective
Type
poetic
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- late night walks
- empty storefronts
- personal reflection
- seeking connection
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
urban alienation
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the empty store symbolize for you?
- How can solitude foster love?
A Different Perspective
Hope may be fleeting and fragile in harsh environments.
