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Live well Quote by Ivan Klíma

“My father also told me that people had always suffered from being tied to the ground, from not being able to detach themselves from it. But they had dreamed of leaving it, and so they had invented the garden of paradise, which had in it everything they yearned for but lacked in their lives, and…” quote by Ivan Klíma
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““My father also told me that people had always suffered from being tied to the ground, from not being able to detach themselves from it. But they had dreamed of leaving it, and so they had invented the garden of paradise, which had in it everything they yearned for but lacked in their lives, and they had dreamed up creatures similar to themselves but equipped with wings. But what in the past had only been dreamed of was now beginning to materialize, my father said, pointing to the sky. Angels did not exist, but people could now fly. There was no paradise for human souls to dwell in, but one day I would understand that it was more important for people to live well and happily here on earth.””

Ivan Klíma

About This Quote

Human yearning for transcendence leads to imagined paradises, but true fulfillment comes from improving life on earth.

In simple terms: Dreams of heaven distract from making life better now.

Key Takeaway

Focus on earthly well‑being.

Themes

aspiration discontent reality

Mood

hopeful critical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • urban planning
  • mental health
  • spiritual practice
  • environmental activism

Key Concepts

philosophy human nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • What can you improve today for a better life?
  • How do you reconcile dreams with reality?
A Different Perspective

Idealizing escape can cause neglect of present responsibilities.

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