Skip to content

Float Quote by Margaret Atwood

“Thus the time passed. Toby stopped counting it. In any case, time is not a thing that passes, said Pilar: it’s a sea on which you float.” quote by Margaret Atwood
Download Open image
““Thus the time passed. Toby stopped counting it. In any case, time is not a thing that passes, said Pilar: it’s a sea on which you float.””

Margaret Atwood

About This Quote

Source Novel: Oryx and Crake, Margaret Atwood, 2003

Time is not a linear flow but an ever-present sea we navigate, making counting irrelevant.

In simple terms: Time is a sea, not a ticking clock.

Key Takeaway

Live in the present.

Themes

time perception existence philosophy

Mood

reflective contemplative

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • daily life
  • creative work
  • mindfulness practice

Key Concepts

ontological view subjective experience narrative structure

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does viewing time as a sea change your actions?
  • Can you stop counting moments?
A Different Perspective

Time can feel oppressive when over‑analyzed.

4.6 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Margaret Atwood

Explore all 2,072 Margaret Atwood quotes

More Float quotes

Browse all 115 Float quotes