Bags Quote by Margaret Atwood
“We'll choose knowledge no matter what, we'll maim ourselves in the process, we'll stick our hands into the flames for it if necessary. Curiosity is not our only motive; love or grief or despair or hatred is what drives us on. We'll spy relentlessly on the dead; we'll open their letters, we'll read their journals, we'll go through their trash, hoping for a hint, a final word, an explanation, from those who have deserted us--who've left us holding the bag, which is often a good deal emptier than we'd supposed.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood, 2003
The quote explores how intense curiosity, driven by emotions like love, grief, or hatred, pushes people to invasive invasive, often self‑damaging pursuits for answers.
In simple terms: Strong emotions fuel obsessive search for meaning, even at personal cost.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when curiosity becomes harmful.
Themes
curiosity
obsession
emotions
truth‑seeking
Mood
intense
conflicted
reflective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- research
- investigative journalism
- personal loss
- grief coping
Key Concepts
psychology
ethics
human motivation
Questions to Reflect On
- What boundaries should limit our quest for knowledge?
- How do emotions shape our pursuit of truth?
A Different Perspective
The drive can lead to burnout or ethical breaches.