Ahead of time Quote by Jean Webster
““Don't you think it would be interesting if you could read the story of your life- written perfectly truthfully by an omniscient author? And suppose you could only read it on this condition: that you would never forget it, but would have to go through life knowing ahead of time exactly how everything you did would turn out, and forseeing to the exact hour the time you would die. How many people do you suppose you have the courage to read it then? Or how many could suppress their curiosity sufficiently to escape from reading it, even at the price of having to live without hope, without surprise? Life is monotonous enough at best; you have to eat and sleep about so often. But imagine how deadly monotonous it would be if nothing unexpected could happen between meals?””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, 1938
Knowing one's entire future eliminates mystery, making life feel empty and oppressive.
In simple terms: Knowing everything removes surprise and hope.
Key Takeaway
Live without knowing everything.
Themes
existential
curiosity
hope
monotony
Mood
thoughtful
melancholic
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- philosophical debate
- creative writing
Key Concepts
free will
determinism
meaninglessness
Questions to Reflect On
- Would you read it if you could?
- Can life retain meaning without surprise?
A Different Perspective
Some may argue that knowledge could empower better choices.
