Adventure Quote by Sinclair Lewis
““But on night duty, alone, he had to face the self he had been afraid to uncover, and he was homesick for the laboratory, for the thrill of uncharted discoveries, the quest below the surface and beyond the moment, the search for fundamental laws which the scientist (however blasphemously and colloquially he may describe it) exalts above temporary healing as the religious exalts the nature and terrible glory of God above pleasant daily virtues. With this sadness there was envy that he should be left out of things, that others should go ahead of him, ever surer in technique, more widely aware of the phenomena of biological chemistry, more deeply daring to explain laws at which the pioneers had but fumbled and hinted.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: “The Night Duty” (fictional) – unknown publication
A scientist, isolated on night duty, confronts inner fears, envies peers' progress, and wrestles with the tension between scientific pursuit and personal longing.
In simple terms: Isolation makes a scientist face fear, envy, and deeper purpose.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge fear, stay curious, and balance work with personal well‑being.
Themes
science
loneliness
envy
purpose
existential crisis
Mood
reflective
melancholic
inspirational
Type
motivational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- research labs
- night shifts
- career development
- personal growth
Key Concepts
philosophy of science
psychology
humanism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you cope with professional isolation?
- What drives you beyond accolades?
A Different Perspective
The narrative may romanticize struggle, overlooking collaborative support.
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