Animals Quote by Mervyn Peake
““Whether the scouring, sexless eye of the bird or beast of prey disperses and sees all or concentrates and evades all saving that for which it searches, it is certain that the less powerful eye of the human cannot grasp, even after a life of training, a scene in its entirety. No eye may see dispassionately. There is no comprehension at a glance. Only the recognition of damsel, horse or fly and the assumption of damsel, horse or fly; and so with dreams and beyond, for what haunts the heart will, when it is found, leap foremost, blinding the eye and leaving the main of Life in darkness.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Gormenghast, 1946 (excerpt)
Human perception is limited; we cannot fully grasp complex realities, and emotions bias our view, obscuring truth.
In simple terms: We can’t see the whole picture; emotions cloud perception.
Key Takeaway
Recognize bias and seek deeper understanding.
Themes
perception
knowledge
emotion
bias
Mood
thoughtful
introspective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- art criticism
- psychology
- personal growth
- decision making
Key Concepts
subjectivity
limited cognition
dreams
truth
Questions to Reflect On
- How does bias affect your decisions?
- What steps can you take to see beyond immediate emotions?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may be too abstract for practical application.
