Firsts Quote by James Joyce
“If he had smiled why would he have smiled? To reflect that each one who enters imagines himself to be the first to enter whereas he is always the last term of a preceding series even if the first term of a succeeding one, each imagining himself to be first, last, only and alone whereas he is neither first nor last nor only nor alone in a series originating in and repeated to infinity.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Finnegans Wake, 1939
The quote highlights the paradox of individuality within an endless continuum, suggesting each person feels unique yet is part of an infinite sequence.
In simple terms: We feel unique but are part of an endless chain.
Key Takeaway
Recognize your place in the larger continuum.
Themes
identity
continuity
philosophy
Mood
contemplative
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- creative writing
- philosophical discourse
Key Concepts
existentialism
infinite regress
self-perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How does recognizing continuity affect your sense of self?
- Can you find freedom in being part of an endless series?
A Different Perspective
Each individual is both a continuation and a repetition, limiting true uniqueness.
![“Since I worked with Danny Boyle before on Slumdog Millionaire, we have great success and everything. So, when I first got the script and the screenplay of Simon (Beaufoy) and I was reading it, even before the shoot, some kind of sounds came into my mind and I put some stuff [down] and sent it to…” quote by A. R. Rahman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/573/a-r-rahman-4481_cutting_since-i-worked-with-danny-boyle-before-o_539.jpg)
