Change Quote by Harry Mulisch
““The process of putting Haarlem behind him resembled the changes a man goes through when he divorces. He takes a girl friend to forget his wife, but just doing that prolongs the connection with the wife. Possibly things will work out only with the next girl friend - although the third one has the best chance. Boundaries have to be continuously sealed off, but it's a hopeless job, fore everything touches everything else in this world. A beginning never disappears, not even with the ending.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Darkroom of Damocles by Harry Mulisch, 1975
Divorce parallels a continual process of setting boundaries, yet connections persist because everything is interlinked.
In simple terms: Boundaries are fragile; connections linger.
Key Takeaway
Accept the difficulty of fully severing ties.
Themes
relationships
boundaries
interconnectedness
Mood
melancholic
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- breakups
- family dynamics
- personal healing
- social networks
Key Concepts
psychology
attachment
human behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- Can you find healthy ways to maintain boundaries?
- What does “a beginning never disappears” mean to you?
A Different Perspective
Complete separation may be impossible; emotional entanglements remain.
