Alive Quote by Philip K. Dick
“It did not seem possible that Wendy Wright had been born out of blood and internal organs like other people. In proximity to her he felt himself to be a squat, oily, sweating, uneducated nurt whose stomach rattled and whose breath wheezed. Near her he became aware of the physical mechanisms which kept him alive; within him machinery, pipes and valves and gas-compressors and fan belts had to chug away at a losing task, a labor ultimately doomed. Seeing her face, he discovered that his own consisted of a garish mask; noticing her body made him feel like a low-class wind-up toy.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: VALIS, 1981
The narrator feels dehumanized next to Wendy, seeing his body as machinery compared to her organic life.
In simple terms: He sees himself as a machine, she as flesh.
Key Takeaway
Recognize humanity beyond physical differences.
Themes
identity
alienation
humanity
Mood
melancholic
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- relationships
- self‑perception
- health crises
- social isolation
Key Concepts
existentialism
body metaphor
Questions to Reflect On
- How does seeing oneself as a machine affect self‑worth?
- Can we find common humanity despite physical disparity?
A Different Perspective
May exaggerate metaphor, reducing empathy.
![“I try to picture where in my body I feel the most anxious. [...] At first it makes me feel even worse and I want to open my eyes but I force myself to take a breath and just allow it to be there. Nothing happens [...] it hasn't got any better - but it hasn't got any worse either.” quote by Zoe Sugg (aka Zoella](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e9c/zoe-sugg-aka-zoella-288468_anxiety_i-try-to-picture-where-in-my-body-i-feel_272557.jpg)
