Affirming Quote by Phil Elvrum
“When I read War and Peace in Norway, really far away from humanity for a long time, it was such an amazing, affirming blast of "humanity" in all forms. It totally cracked my mind-nut open and rainbows shot out. I loved humanity and being alive, rather than wanting to bury my head in the snow.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Blog post by Phil Elvrum, 2023
Reading a profound novel far from everyday life can restore a sense of wonder and connection to humanity, opening the mind to joy and vitality.
In simple terms: A distant read revived love for life and people.
Key Takeaway
Embrace experiences that broaden perspective.
Themes
humanity
wonder
mindfulness
Mood
uplifting
reflective
Type
inspirational
personal
When to use this quote
- travel
- reading
- creative work
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
existential awe
psychological renewal
Questions to Reflect On
- What experiences have reopened your sense of awe?
- How can you sustain that feeling?
A Different Perspective
The effect may be temporary and not replace deeper relationships.
![“I have never had, nor will I ever have, any [political] ambitions. The only thing on which I have always set my heart is being able to gain God's good pleasure and, therefore, trying to make him known correctly and loved by humanity.” quote by Fethullah Gulen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/eae/fethullah-gulen-7833_able_i-have-never-had-nor-will-i-ever-have-an_1479606.jpg)
![“[F]or academic men to be happy, the universe would have to take shape. All of philosophy has no other goal: it is a matter of giving a frock coat to what is, a mathematical frock coat. On the other hand, affirming that the universe resembles nothing and is only formless amounts to saying that the…” quote by Georges Bataille](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d5d/georges-bataille-3741_academic_f-or-academic-men-to-be-happy-the-univer_156790.jpg)
