Children Quote by Sebastian Barry
““It is along the strands of the world that the privilege of possessing children is most blatantly seen. What torment for the spinster and the childless man, to see the various sizes of little demons and angels ranged along the tide line. Like some species of migratory animal. The human animal began as a mere wriggling thing in the ancient seas, struggling out onto land with many regrets. That is what brings us so full of longing to the sea.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Days Without End, 2007
Human longing for the sea reflects our evolutionary roots and the yearning for freedom and origin.
In simple terms: We miss the sea because of our ancient origins.
Key Takeaway
Reconnect with nature to soothe longing.
Themes
nature
humanity
longing
Mood
nostalgic
contemplative
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- environmental therapy
- creative writing
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
evolution
existential yearning
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the sea symbolize for you?
- How can we honor our evolutionary past?
A Different Perspective
Modern life may disconnect us from nature.
![“The human animal, like others, is adapted to a certain amount of struggle for life [and] the mere absence of effort from his life removes an essential ingredient of happiness. [. . .] He forgets that to be without some of the things you want is an indispensable part of happiness.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/218/bertrand-russell-69_absence_the-human-animal-like-others-is-adapted_281043.jpg)
