Children Quote by Halldor Laxness
““But he could not help it. No one can help it. One is a realist. One has put up with it all ever since childhood; one has had the courage to look it full in the eye, possibly courage enough to look it in the eye all one's life long. Then one day the distances beckon with their floating possibilities, and in one's hands are the admission tickets, two slips of blue paper. One is a realist no longer. One has finished putting up with it all, one no longer has the courage to look it in the eye, one is in the power of beckoning hospitable distances, floating possibilities, perhaps forever afterwards. Perhaps one's life is over.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Independent People by Halldor Laxness, 1946
A realist confronts life's possibilities, then loses courage, feeling life may be ending.
In simple terms: Facing possibilities can drain courage and feel final.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and act on new possibilities before fear takes over.
Themes
courage
realism
possibility
life transition
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- career change
- creative projects
- personal growth
- travel decisions
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
choice
Questions to Reflect On
- What possibilities are you avoiding?
- How can you sustain courage when faced with the unknown?
A Different Perspective
Courage may wane without support, leading to stagnation.
