Attempting Quote by John Irving
“The characters in my novels, from the very first one, are always on some quixotic effort of attempting to control something that is uncontrollable - some element of the world that is essentially random and out of control.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The World According to Garp, John Irving, 1978
The quote highlights the human tendency to try to dominate randomness, reflecting a futile, romantic struggle against chaos.
In simple terms: People try to control random forces.
Key Takeaway
Accept uncertainty, focus on adaptability.
Themes
control
chaos
human nature
literature
effort
Mood
reflective
melancholic
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- writing
- creative process
- personal growth
- decision making
- leadership
Key Concepts
existentialism
narrative tension
randomness
agency
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you respond when faced with uncontrollable events?
- What does “quixotic” reveal about human ambition?
A Different Perspective
Control is often illusionary; embracing uncertainty can be empowering.
![“JUST BECAUSE A BUNCH OF ATHEISTS ARE BETTER WRITERS THAN THE GUYS WHO WROTE THE BIBLE DOESN'T NECESSARILY MAKE THEM RIGHT!" [Owen Meany] said crossly. "LOOK AT THOSE WEIRDO TV MIRACLE-WORKERS--THEY'RE TRYING TO GET PEOPLE TO BELIEVE IN MAGIC! BUT THE REAL MIRACLES AREN'T ANYTHING YOU CAN…” quote by John Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70e/john-irving-337_atheists_just-because-a-bunch-of-atheists-are-bet_31804.jpg)
