--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Yet each, in itself—this was the uncanny…" description: "\"“Yet each, in itself—this was the uncanny, the anti-organic, the life-denying character of them all—each of them was absolutely symmetrical, icily regu..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f0e/thomas-mann-1103_art_yet-each-in-itself-this-was-the-uncanny_3114749.jpg" --- # Yet each, in itself—this was the uncanny, the… ![“Yet each, in itself—this was the uncanny, the anti-organic, the life-denying character of them all—each of them was absolutely symmetrical, icily regular in form. They were too regular, as substance adapted to life never was to this degree—the living principle shuddered at this perfect precision…” quote by Thomas Mann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f0e/thomas-mann-1103_art_yet-each-in-itself-this-was-the-uncanny_3114749.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f0e/thomas-mann-1103_art_yet-each-in-itself-this-was-the-uncanny_3114749.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f0e/thomas-mann-1103_art_yet-each-in-itself-this-was-the-uncanny_3114749.jpg) > ““Yet each, in itself—this was the uncanny, the anti-organic, the life-denying character of them all—each of them was absolutely symmetrical, icily regular in form. They were too regular, as substance adapted to life never was to this degree—the living principle shuddered at this perfect precision, found it deathly, the very marrow of death—Hans Castorp felt he understood now the reason why the builders of antiquity purposely and secretly introduced minute variation from absolute symmetry in their columnar structures.”” [Thomas Mann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-mann/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The passage reflects on the unsettling perfection of symmetry in architecture, suggesting that absolute regularity feels lifeless, prompting a yearning for subtle irregularities that convey vitality. **In simple terms:** Perfect symmetry feels lifeless; irregularities give life. Key Takeaway Embrace imperfections to feel alive. Themes art philosophy architecture existence Mood thoughtful analytical Type literary philosophical When to use this quote - design critique - architectural analysis - personal reflection - creative writing Key Concepts aesthetic theory human perception of order Questions to Reflect On - Why do humans prefer slight imperfections? - How does symmetry affect emotional response? 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