Books Quote by Marcel Proust
““Then it would begin to seem unintelligible, as the thoughts of a former existence must be to a reincarnate spirit; the subject of my book would separate itself from me, leaving me free to choose whether I would form part of it or no; and at the same time my sight would return and I would be astonished to find myself in a state of darkness, pleasant and restful enough for the eyes, and even more, perhaps, for my mind, to which it appeared incomprehensible, without a cause, a matter dark indeed.””
About This Quote
Source Book: In Search of Lost Time, Volume 3, 1919
The narrator describes a disorienting, almost dreamlike state where perception and identity feel detached, yet there is a paradoxical comfort in darkness that soothes both eyes and mind.
In simple terms: A strange, comforting darkness separates mind from self.
Key Takeaway
Embrace uncertainty and find comfort in the unknown.
Themes
identity
perception
comfort
uncertainty
paradox
Mood
thoughtful
introspective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- philosophical contemplation
- meditative practice
Key Concepts
subjectivity
existential reflection
mental states
Questions to Reflect On
- How does discomfort shape self‑knowledge?
- What comforts can be found in uncertainty?
A Different Perspective
The darkness may hinder clarity and lead to isolation.
![“For her [Françoise], wealth was like a necessary condition without which virtue would lack both merit and charm. She made so little distinction between the two that she came to see their qualities as interchangeable, expecting material comfort from virtue and moral edification from wealth.” quote by Marcel Proust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/573/marcel-proust-114_character_for-her-fran-oise-wealth-was-like-a-nece_2687.jpg)
