Life Quote by Mary Oliver
““You don’t want to hear the story of my life, and anyway I don’t want to tell it, I want to listen to the enormous waterfalls of the sun. And anyway it’s the same old story - - - a few people just trying, one way or another, to survive. Mostly, I want to be kind. And nobody, of course, is kind, or mean, for a simple reason. And nobody gets out of it, having to swim through the fires to stay in this world. (from, Dogfish)””
About This Quote
Source Poem: Dogfish, 1990s (published in collection)
The speaker rejects personal narrative, seeking instead the vast, overwhelming beauty of nature while acknowledging human struggle and the rarity of kindness.
In simple terms: Prefer nature’s grandeur over personal stories.
Key Takeaway
Seek awe in the natural world.
Themes
nature
kindness
struggle
existence
Mood
contemplative
hopeful
Type
poetic
inspirational
When to use this quote
- hiking
- reading poetry
- environmental activism
Key Concepts
Transcendence
human condition
environmental awe
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “the waterfalls of the sun” symbolize for you?
- Can kindness exist without self‑interest?
A Different Perspective
Personal stories can distract from universal truths.
