Action Quote by Helen Eustis
“when ... I've thought of madness, it seems most easily explained to me as poetry in action. A life of symbol rather than reality. On paper one can understand Gulliver, or Kafka, or Dante. But let a man go about behaving as if he were a giant or a midget, or caught in a cosmic plot directed at himself, or in heaven or hell, and we feel horror - we want to disavow him to proclaim him as far removed as possible from ourselves.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Reflections on Symbolic Life (source unknown)
The author contrasts poetic, symbolic existence with mundane reality, suggesting that living as a larger-than-life figure feels alien and frightening.
In simple terms: Living symbolically feels alien compared to ordinary life.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the tension between symbolic aspirations and everyday reality.
Themes
symbolism
identity
existentialism
Mood
introspective
philosophical
Type
literary
reflective
When to use this quote
- Personal philosophy
- creative writing
- psychology
- literary criticism
Key Concepts
Poetic imagination
self‑construction
cognitive dissonance
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives the desire to live symbolically?
- How can one balance poetic ideals with realistic living?
A Different Perspective
May overlook practical constraints of everyday life.
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