Attention Quote by John Edgar Wideman
“Our thoughts, our language, are always at a distance from whatever they're trying to describe. We're dreamers and - since we only have one life, and if we screw up we can get in a world of trouble - we're very intense dreamers. That's the beauty and the terror of being human beings: We just have these symbolic languages, these dreams, and that's all it ever is. There is no American or Frenchhistory. There are all these dreams that are floating around. People construct them and fight with them and criticize them, and the world goes on. I don't think the stars pay much attention.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Symbolic Life, John Edgar Wideman, 1995
Language and dreams shape reality, yet remain imperfect reflections of truth.
In simple terms: Dreams and words are imperfect.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the mystery of meaning.
Themes
language
dreams
human experience
Mood
thoughtful
poetic
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- philosophical discussions
- psychology sessions
Key Concepts
semiotics
existentialism
cultural narratives
Questions to Reflect On
- How do symbols influence perception?
- Can we ever fully capture reality?
A Different Perspective
Dreams can mislead actions.
![“I went to a mosque in Philadelphia with [my wife] in December 24, 1999. And we we went to this mosque in Philly, and I just had such a strong reaction to the prayer. And I was really emotionally - I felt really grounded at that time. And so to be in this prayer and the imam is doing the prayer in…” quote by Mahershala Ali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d31/mahershala-ali-6687_attention_i-went-to-a-mosque-in-philadelphia-with_3083.jpg)
