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Life Quote by Lois Lowry

“DAYS WENT BY, and weeks. Jonas learned, through the memories, the names of colors; and now he began to see them all, in his ordinary life (though he knew it was ordinary no longer, and would never be again). But they didn’t last. There would be a glimpse of green—the landscaped lawn around the…” quote by Lois Lowry
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““DAYS WENT BY, and weeks. Jonas learned, through the memories, the names of colors; and now he began to see them all, in his ordinary life (though he knew it was ordinary no longer, and would never be again). But they didn’t last. There would be a glimpse of green—the landscaped lawn around the Central Plaza; a bush on the riverbank. The bright orange of pumpkins being trucked in from the agricultural fields beyond the community boundary—seen in an instant, the flash of brilliant color, but gone again, returning to their flat and hueless shade. The Giver told him that it would be a very long time before he had the colors to keep. “But I want them!” Jonas said angrily. “It isn’t fair that nothing has color!” “Not fair?” The Giver looked at Jonas curiously. “Explain what you mean.” “Well . . .” Jonas had to stop and think it through. “If everything’s the same, then there aren’t any choices! I want to wake up in the morning and decide things! A blue tunic, or a red one?” He looked down at himself, at the colorless fabric of his clothing. “But it’s all the same, always.” Then he laughed a little. “I know it’s not important, what you wear. It doesn’t matter. But—” “It’s the choosing that’s important, isn’t it?” The Giver asked him. Jonas nodded.””

Lois Lowry

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Giver by Lois Lowry, 1993

Jonas discovers that without choice and variety, life feels empty; he craves the ability to decide and experience differences.

In simple terms: Jonas wants freedom to choose and see colors.

Key Takeaway

Value choice and diversity.

Themes

freedom choice perception growth

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • education
  • personal development
  • creative expression
  • decision making

Key Concepts

existentialism psychology color symbolism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does choice shape identity?
  • What would you change if you could see all colors?
A Different Perspective

Choice can be overwhelming and may lead to regret if not guided.

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