Darkness Quote by Haruki Murakami
““The world of the grotesque is the darkness within us. Well before Freud and Jung shined a light on the workings of the subconscious, this correlation between darkness and our subconscious, these two forms of darkness, was obvious to people. It wasn’t a metaphor, even. If you trace it back further, it wasn’t even a correlation. Until Edison invented the electric light, most of the world was totally covered in darkness. The physical darkness outside and the inner darkness of the soul were mixed together, with no boundary separating the two. They were directly linked. Like this.” Oshima brings his two hands together tightly.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Dark Side of the Subconscious, 2015
The quote links external physical darkness with internal psychological darkness, suggesting they were once perceived as a single, inseparable phenomenon before modern science distinguished them.
In simple terms: Physical and mental darkness were once seen as one.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how external environments shape inner perception.
Themes
psychology
perception
history
light
darkness
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- nighttime work
- creative writing
- therapy sessions
- lighting design
- meditation
Key Concepts
subconscious
symbolism
cultural narrative
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your environment influence your inner state?
- Can you separate external gloom from internal mood?
A Different Perspective
Modern science shows light and darkness can coexist without merging, challenging the literal link.
