Beautiful Quote by Haruki Murakami
““Shimamoto was in charge of the records. She'd take one from its jacket, place it carefully on the turntable without touching the grooves with her fingers, and, after making sure to brush the cartridge free of any dust with a tiny brush, lower the needle ever so gently onto the record. When the record was finished, she'd spray it and wipe it with a felt cloth. Finally she'd return the record to its jacket and its proper place on the shelf. Her father had taught her this procedure, and she followed his instructions with a terribly serious look on her face, her eyes narrowed, her breath held in check. Meanwhile, I was on the sofa, watching her every move. Only when the record was safely back on the shelf did she turn to me and give a little smile. And every time, this thought hit me: It wasn't a record she was handling. It was a fragile soul inside a glass bottle.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: “A Wild Sheep Chase” by Haruki Murakami, 1982
Meticulous handling of a record mirrors caring for a delicate soul, highlighting reverence and vulnerability.
In simple terms: Treating objects gently reflects caring for fragile lives.
Key Takeaway
Handle precious things with care.
Themes
attention to detail
vulnerability
caregiving
Mood
contemplative
poetic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- music listening
- archival work
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
symbolism
ritual
mindfulness
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the record symbolize?
- How does ritual affect perception of value?
A Different Perspective
Over‑ritualization can create distance from emotional connection.
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