Dead people Quote by Jeannette Walls
““The water you kids were playing in, he said, had probably been to Africa and the North Pole. Genghis Khan or Saint Peter or even Jesus may have drunk it. Cleopatra might have bathed in it. Crazy Horse might have watered his pony with it. Sometimes water was liquid. Sometimes it was rock hard- ice. Sometimes it was soft- snow. Sometimes it was visible but weightless- clouds. And sometimes it was completely invisible- vapor- floating up into the the sky like the soals of dead people. There was nothing like water in the world, Jim said. It made the desert bloom but also turned rich bottomland into swamp. Without it we'd die, but it could also kill us, and that was why we loved it, even craved it, but also feared it. Never take water forgranted, Jim said. Always cherish it. Always beware of it.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, 2005
Water is a paradoxical force that sustains life, shapes environments, and can both nurture and destroy, demanding respect and mindfulness.
In simple terms: Water sustains and can harm, so respect it.
Key Takeaway
Treat water with reverence and caution.
Themes
nature
dependence
paradox
respect
danger
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
cautious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- drinking water safety
- environmental planning
- climate adaptation
- personal health habits
- agricultural irrigation
Key Concepts
hydrology
ecology
human relationship
resource management
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you honor water in daily life?
- What practices protect water from misuse?
A Different Perspective
Water scarcity or pollution can limit its benefits and increase risks.
