Abyss Quote by Paulo Coelho
“Once upon a time, there was a prostitute called Maria. Wait a minute. "Once upon a time" is how all the best children's stories begin, and "prostitute" is a word for adults. How can I start a book with this apparent contradiction? But since, at every moment of our lives, we all have one foot in a fairy tale and the other in the abyss, let's keep that beginning.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho, 1988
Contrasting fairy‑tale wonder with adult reality highlights life's paradoxes and invites bold storytelling.
In simple terms: Life mixes innocence with harsh truth.
Key Takeaway
Balance wonder and realism in narratives.
Themes
contradiction
storytelling
human duality
Mood
inspirational
thought‑provoking
Type
literary
motivational
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- creative brainstorming
- teaching literature
- psychotherapy
Key Concepts
myth vs reality
narrative tension
personal myth
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you weave contradictions without losing coherence?
- What personal paradoxes inspire your story?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on contrast can alienate readers.
