Comets Quote by Knut Hamsun
“What if one were up there, drifting about among suns and feeling the tails of comets fan one's forehead! How small the earth was and how puny the people; a Norway of two million provincial souls and a mortgage bank to help feed them! What was life worth at such a rate? You elbowed yourself ahead in the sweat of your face for a few mortal years, only to perish all the same, all the same!”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Pan, 1894
Human existence feels insignificant against the vast cosmos, prompting existential doubt.
In simple terms: Life feels tiny in the universe.
Key Takeaway
Contemplate humility before nature.
Themes
existentialism
cosmic perspective
human frailty
Mood
melancholic
wonderful
Type
existential
poetic
When to use this quote
- stargazing
- philosophical reflection
- artistic creation
Key Concepts
philosophy
astronomy
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What gives your life meaning despite its smallness?
- How does cosmic awe affect daily choices?
A Different Perspective
May cause nihilism.
![“Thirteen states with a population less than that of New York State alone can prevent repeal [of prohibition] until Halley's comet returns. One might as well talk about a summer vacation on Mars.” quote by Clarence Darrow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/28f/clarence-darrow-1714_comets_thirteen-states-with-a-population-less-t_426370.jpg)
![“I imagined I had discovered a new word. I rise up in bed and say, "It is not in the language; I have discovered it. 'Kuboa.' It has letters as a word has. By the benign God, Man you have discovered a word!... 'Kuboa' ... a word of profound import. [...] Some minutes pass over, and I wax nervous…” quote by Knut Hamsun](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bd0/knut-hamsun-1203_language_i-imagined-i-had-discovered-a-new-word-i_170312.jpg)
