Things happen for a reason Quote by Vladimir Nabokov
“To the questions of the officiously meddling police Falter replied absently and tersely; but, when he finally grew tired of this pestering, he pointed out that, having accidentally solved the riddleof the universe, he had yielded to artful exhortation and shared that solution with his inquisitive interlocutor, whereupon the latter had diedof astonishment.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Ada by Vladimir Nabokov, 1969
A character dismisses intrusive questioning, then reveals a profound solution, leading to the interlocutor's fatal astonishment.
In simple terms: Dismissive answers hide deep insights that can shock others.
Key Takeaway
Beware how much you reveal.
Themes
communication
knowledge
consequences
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- interrogation
- academic debate
- personal revelation
Key Concepts
existentialism
truth
humility
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you hidden a truth that later shocked someone?
- Is silence always safer?
A Different Perspective
Sharing profound truths can overwhelm listeners.
![“[In geology,] As in history, the material in hand remains silent if no questions are asked. The nature of these questions depends on the "school" to which the geologist belongs and on the objectivity of his investigations. Hans Cloos called this way of interrogation "the dialogue with the earth,"…” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8a7/anonymous-1_communication_in-geology-as-in-history-the-material-in_22470.jpg)
![“[T]he question "What is everything?" has no meaning, even though it seems to be profound. [...] The point is, perhaps, that I am not looking for a verbal answer, just as when I ask for a kiss, I do not want a piece of paper with "A kiss" written on it. It is rather that metaphysical wonder looks…” quote by Alan W. Watts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/705/alan-w-watts-9497_curiosity_t-he-question-what-is-everything-has-no_3984.jpg)
![“...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)
