Skip to content

Nature Quote by Halldór Laxness

“She was like defenceless Nature, that withers in the blast because it has shelter neither of God nor of men; human beings do not give one another shelter; and God? We shall see, when in the end we are dead of consumption. Perhaps the Almighty had made a note of all that she had had to suffer. All…” quote by Halldór Laxness
Download Open image
““She was like defenceless Nature, that withers in the blast because it has shelter neither of God nor of men; human beings do not give one another shelter; and God? We shall see, when in the end we are dead of consumption. Perhaps the Almighty had made a note of all that she had had to suffer. All the same she felt that evening that she was not too old once more to view the future in a dream; in a new dream. To be able to look forward is to live.””

Halldór Laxness

About This Quote

Source Novel: Independent People, 1946

Human suffering arises from lack of shelter—both physical and spiritual—yet hope persists, allowing dreams of a better future despite present hardships.

In simple terms: Without shelter, life is hard, but hope endures.

Key Takeaway

Seek and create safe spaces and nurture hopeful visions.

Themes

suffering hope spirituality future resilience

Mood

somber hopeful resolute

Type

literary inspirational

When to use this quote

  • refugee crises
  • mental health support
  • community building

Key Concepts

existentialism human condition

Questions to Reflect On

  • What shelters—tangible or intangible—do you need now?
  • How can you foster hope in others facing hardship?
A Different Perspective

Hope may be fragile when resources are scarce.

2.2 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Halldór Laxness

Explore all 87 Halldór Laxness quotes

More Nature quotes

Browse all 47,383 Nature quotes