Contemplation Quote by Paul Bowles
““Often when he was not working he had come here and sat an entire afternoon, lulled by the din and music from the other rooms into a state of vague ecstasy, while he contemplated the small sheet of water outside the window. It was that happy frame of mind into which his people could project themselves so easily - the mere absence of immediate unpleasant preoccupation could start it off, and a landscape which included the sea, a river, a fountain, or anything that occupied the eye without engaging the mind, was of use in sustaining it. It was the world behind the world, where reflection precludes the necessity for action, and the calm which all things seek in death appears briefly in the guise of contentment, the spirit at last persuaded that the still waters of perfection are reachable.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Sheltering Sky, 1949
Quiet observation of nature can provide a temporary escape from mental turmoil
In simple terms: Nature offers calm relief from mental strain
Key Takeaway
Seek simple, sensory experiences for mental respite
Themes
nature
escapism
contemplation
Mood
contemplative
melancholic
Type
literary
reflective
When to use this quote
- stress relief
- creative block
- grief
- burnout
Key Concepts
aestheticism
mindfulness
Questions to Reflect On
- How often do you use scenery to avoid problems?
- Can you find active solutions within calm moments?
A Different Perspective
Passive observation may avoid confronting underlying issues
