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Living for the moment Quote by Lynne Reid Banks

“That’s my whole trouble. I don’t seem capable of living for the moment. It’s as if the future threw back a shadow—a great black shadow of years of loneliness, and it terrifies me so much that I keep lighting little futile lights to try to drive the shadow away.” quote by Lynne Reid Banks
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““That’s my whole trouble. I don’t seem capable of living for the moment. It’s as if the future threw back a shadow—a great black shadow of years of loneliness, and it terrifies me so much that I keep lighting little futile lights to try to drive the shadow away.””

Lynne Reid Banks

About This Quote

Source Novel: "The Shadow of Loneliness", 1975

The narrator feels haunted by a looming future loneliness, lighting small futile attempts to dispel it, reflecting deep existential fear.

In simple terms: Fear of future loneliness leads to futile attempts to find light.

Key Takeaway

Acknowledge fear and seek meaningful connection.

Themes

loneliness future fear existential hope despair

Mood

melancholic introspective hopeful

Type

philosophical emotional

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • mental health
  • creative writing
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

psychology existentialism resilience

Questions to Reflect On

  • What small lights truly help you?
  • How can you confront the shadow directly?
A Different Perspective

Focusing on small lights may ignore larger solutions.

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