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Business Quote by Thomas Hardy

“To find themselves utterly alone at night where company is desirable and expected makes some people fearful; but a case more trying by far to the nerves is to discover some mysterious companionship when intuition, sensation, memory, analogy, testimony, probability, induction--every kind of…” quote by Thomas Hardy
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““To find themselves utterly alone at night where company is desirable and expected makes some people fearful; but a case more trying by far to the nerves is to discover some mysterious companionship when intuition, sensation, memory, analogy, testimony, probability, induction--every kind of evidence in the logician's list--have united to persuade consciousness that it is quite alone.””

Thomas Hardy

About This Quote

Source Novel: Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy, 1891

The quote describes the unsettling feeling of being alone while the mind is convinced by many forms of evidence that it is not, creating a paradoxical loneliness.

In simple terms: Feeling alone despite evidence of companionship.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and question contradictory perceptions.

Themes

loneliness perception mind existence

Mood

melancholic contemplative

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • nighttime reflection
  • introspective writing
  • mental health counseling
  • creative brainstorming

Key Concepts

philosophy psychology epistemology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you reconcile inner feelings with external evidence?
  • What evidence would change your sense of loneliness?
A Different Perspective

The paradox may overlook the comfort of genuine human connection.

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