Every day Quote by Madeleine Thien
““The things you experience," she continued, "are written on your cells as memories and patterns, which are reprinted again on the next generation. And even if you never lift a shovel or plant a cabbage, every day of your life something is written upon you. And when you die, the entirety of that written record returns to the earth. All we have on this earth, all we are, is a record. Maybe the only things that persist are----copies of things. The original has long since passed away from this universe, but on and on we copy. I have devoted my miniscule life to the act of copying.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: “The Evening and the Morning” by Madeleine Thien, 2011
Human experiences are encoded biologically and passed down, making each life a copy of previous ones, while the original self fades.
In simple terms: Memories and patterns are written in cells and inherited, leaving only copies behind.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the continuity of life through shared biological memory.
Themes
inheritance
memory
continuity
Mood
thoughtful
poignant
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- family health histories
- generational trauma studies
- environmental impact assessments
Key Concepts
biology
philosophy
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- What aspects of identity are truly original?
- How do we balance inherited patterns with personal choice?
A Different Perspective
Biological determinism may overlook personal agency.
