Stars in the sky Quote by Sheila Heti
““I did value Margaux, but only now did I understand something I had not before: Margaux was not like the stars in the sky. There was only one Margaux — not Margauxs scattered everywhere, all throughout the darkness. If there was only one of her, there was not going to be a second one. Yet in some strange way, somewhere inside me, I had always believed that if I lost Margaux, I could go out and find another Margaux. Now it seemed so horrible to me. And didn’t it explain everything? But I had never wanted to be one person, or even believed that I was one, so I had never considered the true singularity of anyone else. I said to myself, You are only given one. The one you are given is the one to put a fence around. Life is not a harvest. Just because you have an apple doesn’t mean you have an orchard. You have an apple. Put a fence around it. Once you have put a fence around everything you value, then you have the total circle of your heart.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Motherhood, Sheila Heti, 2018
The passage reflects on recognizing the uniqueness of a loved one and the importance of protecting what truly matters, rather than seeking replacements.
In simple terms: Value one person fully, don’t look for substitutes.
Key Takeaway
Guard what you cherish.
Themes
love
individuality
attachment
valuation
mindfulness
Mood
reflective
somber
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
personal
emotional
When to use this quote
- relationships
- grief
- personal growth
- decision making
Key Concepts
singularity
boundary setting
personal identity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate between protecting love and clinging?
- Can you honor a loss without seeking a replica?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook the possibility of new connections after loss.
