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Air Quote by Vladimir Nabokov

“Down you go, but all the while you feel suspended and buoyed as you somersault in slow motion like a somnolent tumbler pigeon, and sprawl supine on the eiderdown of the air, or lazily turn to embrace your pillow, enjoying every last instant of soft, deep, death-padded life, with the earth's green…” quote by Vladimir Nabokov
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“Down you go, but all the while you feel suspended and buoyed as you somersault in slow motion like a somnolent tumbler pigeon, and sprawl supine on the eiderdown of the air, or lazily turn to embrace your pillow, enjoying every last instant of soft, deep, death-padded life, with the earth's green see-saw now above, now below, and the voluptuous crucifixion, as you stretch yourself in the growing rush, in the nearing swish, and then your loved body's obliteration in the Lap of the Lord.”

Vladimir Nabokov

About This Quote

Life feels suspended between mortality and fleeting bliss, urging acceptance of transient beauty.

In simple terms: Embrace fleeting moments before death.

Key Takeaway

Savor present sensations.

Themes

mortality transience beauty acceptance spirituality

Mood

melancholic contemplative tranquil

Type

poetic philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • contemplating death
  • appreciating nature
  • creative writing
  • meditative practice
  • ritual mourning

Key Concepts

existentialism poetry mindful presence

Questions to Reflect On

  • What fleeting moments do you cherish?
  • How do you reconcile joy with impermanence?
A Different Perspective

May romanticize suffering.

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