Mind Quote by John Dos Passos
““The young man walks by himself, fast but not fast enough, far but not far enough (faces slide out of sight, talk trails into tattered scraps, footsteps tap fainter in alleys); he must catch the last subway, the streetcar, the bus, run up the gangplanks of all the steamboats, register at all the hotels, work in the cities, answer the wantads, learn the trades, take up the jobs, live in all the boardinghouses, sleep in all the beds. One bed is not enough, one job is not enough, one life is not enough. At night, head swimming with wants, he walks by himself alone.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Manhattan Transfer, 1925
The quote captures the restless, fragmented pursuit of fulfillment in modern urban life.
In simple terms: Too many goals overwhelm us.
Key Takeaway
Focus on what truly matters.
Themes
modernity
restlessness
overwhelm
Mood
melancholic
introspective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- career choices
- relationship decisions
- personal growth
- creative projects
Key Concepts
existential search
urban alienation
identity crisis
Questions to Reflect On
- Which pursuit aligns with your core values?
- How can you simplify your path?
A Different Perspective
Too many pursuits can dilute purpose and cause burnout.
