Darkness Quote by W. H. Auden
“Most people call something profound, not because it is near some important truth but because it is distant from ordinary life. Thus, darkness is profound to the eye, silence to the ear; what-is-not is the profundity of what-is.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Enigma of Profundity”, 1938
Profundity arises from distance from the ordinary, making darkness and silence seem deep.
In simple terms: Depth comes from being far from everyday life.
Key Takeaway
Seek meaning beyond the mundane.
Themes
philosophy
perception
depth
ordinary vs extraordinary
Mood
contemplative
introspective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- art criticism
- spiritual practice
- academic study
Key Concepts
existentialism
aesthetic theory
silence
darkness
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes something feel profound?
- Can familiarity diminish depth?
A Different Perspective
Not all distant things are truly profound.
