Public library Quote by Jennifer Egan
““Like all failed experiments, that one taught me something I didn’t expect: one key ingredient of so-called experience is the delusional faith that it is unique and special, that those included in it are privileged and those excluded from it are missing out. And I, like a scientist unwittingly inhaling toxic fumes from the beaker I was boiling in my lab, had, through sheer physical proximity, been infected by that same delusion and in my drugged state had come to believe I was Excluded: condemned to stand shivering outside the public library at Fifth Avenue and Forty-second Street forever and...””
About This Quote
Source Novel: A Visit from the Goon Squad, 2010
Experiencing a delusional sense of uniqueness can blind us, while recognizing shared humanity reveals commonality and humility.
In simple terms: Feeling special can be illusionary; we share common experiences.
Key Takeaway
Recognize shared humanity.
Themes
humility
identity
delusion
Mood
introspective
empathetic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- social media use
- career setbacks
- group dynamics
Key Concepts
psychology
social comparison
authenticity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does recognizing commonality change your perspective?
- When have you felt excluded despite being part of a group?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on uniqueness may hinder empathy.
