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Artifacts Quote by Richard Matheson

“He stood there for a moment looking around the silent room, shaking his head slowly. All these books, he thought, the residue of a planet’s intellect, the scrapings of futile minds, the leftovers, the potpourri of artifacts that had no power to save men from perishing.” quote by Richard Matheson
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“He stood there for a moment looking around the silent room, shaking his head slowly. All these books, he thought, the residue of a planet’s intellect, the scrapings of futile minds, the leftovers, the potpourri of artifacts that had no power to save men from perishing.”

Richard Matheson

About This Quote

Source Novel: I Am Legend by Richard Matheson, 1954

He reflects on humanity’s accumulated knowledge as useless relics, unable to prevent inevitable decline.

In simple terms: Human knowledge may be futile against destiny.

Key Takeaway

Recognize limits of intellect.

Themes

existential knowledge nihilism

Mood

melancholic reflective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • library study
  • post‑apocalyptic reflection
  • academic debate
  • personal contemplation

Key Concepts

philosophy human condition

Questions to Reflect On

  • What truly matters when knowledge fails?
  • How do we find meaning beyond intellect?
A Different Perspective

Even vast knowledge cannot avert existential threats.

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