Ancient Quote by Lawrence Durrell
“The steward, according to custom, had stopped all the clocks. This, in the language of Narouz, said "Your stay with us is so brief, let us not be reminded of the flight of the hours."”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Alexandria Quartet, 1962
Time is halted for guests, urging them to forget the fleeting nature of their stay and focus on the present.
In simple terms: The host stops clocks to make guests ignore passing time.
Key Takeaway
Appreciate moments without obsessing over time.
Themes
time
hospitality
impermanence
mindfulness
Mood
contemplative
melancholic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Travel experiences
- hospitality industry
- personal meditation
Key Concepts
Narrative technique
temporal symbolism
cultural customs
Questions to Reflect On
- What does pausing time teach you about presence?
- How does this affect your view of hospitality?
A Different Perspective
Ignoring time can lead to neglecting future responsibilities.
