Abyss Quote by Vladimir Nabokov
““The cradle rocks above an abyss, and common sense tells us that our existence is but a brief crack of light between two eternities of darkness. Although the two are identical twins, man, as a rule, views the prenatal abyss with more calm than the one he is heading for.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Ada, Vladimir Nabokov, 1969
Life is fleeting, caught between birth and death, and people often fear the unknown future more than the unknown past.
In simple terms: Life is short, fear the unknown future more
Key Takeaway
Reflect on mortality and embrace present moments.
Themes
mortality
existentialism
fear
perception
Mood
thoughtful
melancholic
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- contemplating death
- making life choices
- coping with anxiety
- seeking meaning
Key Concepts
temporal duality
human anxiety
philosophical reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- How does fear shape your view of the future?
- What can you do to appreciate the present?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may oversimplify complex psychological responses to mortality.
![“...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)
