Life Quote by Vladimir Nabokov
![“[T]he forget-me-not gray of an eye squinting at an incipient kiss, the placid expression of your ears when you would lift up your hair … how can I reconcile myself to your disappearance, to this gaping hole, into which slides everything—my whole life, wet gravel, objects, and habits—and what…” quote by Vladimir Nabokov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3c3/vladimir-nabokov-198_life_t-he-forget-me-not-gray-of-an-eye-squint_2679641.jpg)
““[T]he forget-me-not gray of an eye squinting at an incipient kiss, the placid expression of your ears when you would lift up your hair … how can I reconcile myself to your disappearance, to this gaping hole, into which slides everything—my whole life, wet gravel, objects, and habits—and what tombal railings can prevent me from tumbling, with silent relish, into this abyss? Vertigo of the soul. from “Ultima Thule””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Ultima Thule, 1938
The speaker feels overwhelming loss and existential dread as a loved one disappears, confronting a void that swallows identity and routine.
In simple terms: Loss feels like a soul‑shaking void.
Key Takeaway
Accept grief, seek grounding.
Themes
loss
grief
existential dread
identity
void
Mood
sad
reflective
melancholic
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- breakup
- death of a relationship
- major life transition
- mental health crisis
Key Concepts
nihilism
psychology
attachment theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you fill the void left by loss?
- What anchors can you create to prevent falling into abyss?
A Different Perspective
Grief may also bring moments of growth and new purpose.
![“...under no circumstances would he [Humbert Humbert] have interfered with the innocence of a child, if there was the least risk of a row.” quote by Vladimir Nabokov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0f0/vladimir-nabokov-198_children_under-no-circumstances-would-he-humbert_16228.jpg)
