Changed Quote by Lawrence Durrell
“We live" writes Pursewarden somewhere, "lives based upon selected fictions. Our view of reality is conditioned by our position in space and time - not by our personalities as we like to think. Thus every interpretation of reality is based upon a unique position. Two paces east or west and the whole picture is changed.”
About This Quote
Durrell argues that our perception of reality is filtered through our unique spatial‑temporal perspective, not merely personal traits.
In simple terms: Reality is seen through one's position in time and space.
Key Takeaway
Perspective shapes interpretation of the world.
Themes
philosophy
perception
relativism
culture
Mood
thoughtful
introspective
philosophical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- art criticism
- anthropology fieldwork
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
subjectivity
cognitive framing
Practical Applications
- consider multiple viewpoints when evaluating facts
- use spatial metaphors to illustrate bias
Questions to Reflect On
- In what ways does geography affect worldview?
- Can we ever achieve an objective perspective?
A Different Perspective
Personal experience still influences interpretation alongside position.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
