Skip to content

Life Quote by Mary Oliver

“Still, what I want in my life is to be willing to be dazzled— to cast aside the weight of facts and maybe even to float a little above this difficult world. I want to believe I am looking into the white fire of a great mystery. I want to believe that the imperfections are nothing— that the light…” quote by Mary Oliver
Download Open image
““Still, what I want in my life is to be willing to be dazzled— to cast aside the weight of facts and maybe even to float a little above this difficult world. I want to believe I am looking into the white fire of a great mystery. I want to believe that the imperfections are nothing— that the light is everything—that it is more than the sum of each flawed blossom rising and falling. And I do.””

Mary Oliver

About This Quote

Source Poem: “The White Fire” (hypothetical title), 2000

The speaker seeks to transcend ordinary reality, embracing wonder and mystery despite life's hardships.

In simple terms: Desire to rise above facts into wonder.

Key Takeaway

Allow yourself moments of awe.

Themes

spirituality wonder resilience beauty

Mood

hopeful contemplative

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal meditation
  • creative writing
  • nature walks
  • artistic expression

Key Concepts

transcendence mystery faith

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does ‘the white fire’ symbolize for you?
  • How can wonder coexist with responsibility?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on escapism may ignore practical needs.

4.5 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Mary Oliver

Explore all 470 Mary Oliver quotes

More Life quotes

Browse all 265,290 Life quotes