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Aspiration Quote by Marcel Proust

“In the sort of screen dappled with different states of mind which my consciousness would simultaneously unfold while I read, and which ranged from the aspirations hidden deepest within me to the completely exterior vision of the horizon which I had, at the bottom of the garden, before my eyes…” quote by Marcel Proust
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“In the sort of screen dappled with different states of mind which my consciousness would simultaneously unfold while I read, and which ranged from the aspirations hidden deepest within me to the completely exterior vision of the horizon which I had, at the bottom of the garden, before my eyes, what was first in me, innermost, the constantly moving handle that controlled the rest, was my belief in the philosophical richness and beauty of the book I was reading, and my desire to appropriate them for myself, whatever that book might be.”

Marcel Proust

About This Quote

Source Novel: In Search of Lost Time, Marcel Proust, 1913-1927

Reading a book becomes a mirror for inner aspirations and external visions, shaping belief in its philosophical depth and personal appropriation.

In simple terms: Reading reflects inner and outer worlds, enriching belief in a book's depth.

Key Takeaway

Engage deeply with texts to uncover personal meaning.

Themes

reading philosophy self‑discovery literature

Mood

contemplative introspective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • academic study
  • personal reflection
  • creative writing
  • book clubs

Key Concepts

aesthetic appreciation personal appropriation inner‑outer dialogue

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does personal belief shape interpretation?
  • Can one separate author intent from personal appropriation?
A Different Perspective

The richness may be subjective and not universally accessible.

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