Closing your eyes Quote by Haruki Murakami
““You have to look!" Johnnie Walker commanded. "That's another one of our rules. Closing your eyes isn't going to change anything. Nothing's going to disappear just because you can't see what's going on. In fact, things will be even worse the next time you open your eyes. That's the kind of world we live in, Mr. Nakata. Keep your eyes wide open. Only a coward closes his eyes. Closing your eyes and plugging up your ears won't make time stand still.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami, 2009
Awareness and vigilance prevent ignorance; avoiding reality worsens problems.
In simple terms: Stay alert, face reality.
Key Takeaway
Never ignore what’s happening.
Themes
awareness
courage
reality
Mood
urgent
reflective
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- personal crises
- social injustice
- mental health
- decision making
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
self‑discipline
Questions to Reflect On
- How does ignoring problems affect long‑term outcomes?
- What habits keep you mentally present?
A Different Perspective
Avoiding issues may provide temporary comfort but leads to greater harm.
![“[My father] advised me to sit every few months in my reading chair for an entire evening, close my eyes and try to think of new problems to solve. I took his advice very seriously and have been glad ever since that he did.” quote by Luis Walter Alvarez](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/753/luis-walter-alvarez-51937_advice_my-father-advised-me-to-sit-every-few-mo_170929.jpg)
