Longing Quote by Milan Kundera
““Now we are longtime outcasts, flying through the emptiness of time in a straight line. Yet somewhere deep down a thin thread still ties us to that far-off misty Paradise, where Adam leans over a well and, unlike Narcissus, never even suspects that the pale yellow blotch appearing in it is he himself. The longing for Paradise is man's longing not to be man.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Unbearable Lightness of Being, 1984
Human longing for an idealized Paradise reflects a desire to transcend ordinary existence, but this yearning can distance us from our humanity.
In simple terms: We long for an ideal beyond ourselves.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the tension between yearning and being.
Themes
longing
existence
transcendence
Mood
melancholic
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- spiritual quests
- creative inspiration
- existential reflection
Key Concepts
philosophy
myth
identity
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “Paradise” represent for you?
- How does yearning shape your sense of self?
A Different Perspective
Idealizing can lead to dissatisfaction with reality.
