Hungry eyes Quote by Gregory Maguire
““But I must pay attention now, she thinks, because what other choice is there? Maybe when I die my soul will fly to meet God, but when that time comes I won't have the use of clever hands, nor the burden of an ugly face; hands and face will be planted like bulbs in the soil, while only the bloom of the spirit emerges elsewhere. So let my hands and my face make their way in the world, let my hungry eyes see, my tongue taste.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: “The Graveyard Book” by Neil Gaiman, 2008 (quoted in Maguire’s commentary)
Facing mortality, the soul seeks purpose beyond physical form; the spirit’s bloom persists after the body fades.
In simple terms: Spirit lives on after body dies.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate inner growth beyond appearances.
Themes
mortality
spirituality
identity
transcendence
Mood
contemplative
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- end‑of‑life care
- creative expression
- mindfulness practice
Key Concepts
philosophy
existentialism
body‑spirit dualism
legacy
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “bloom of the spirit” mean to you?
- How can you nurture inner growth now?
A Different Perspective
Physical decline may limit agency, but inner purpose remains.
