Bits Quote by Walker Evans
“Somewhere in our search for reality we have passed something by, something important that we no longer find amid the bits and pieces of disassembled matter-something vital that we cannot build out of these parts. There is surely something else, some piece of divinity in us, something that was before the elements, and that owes no homage to the sun.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Photographic Essay, 1955
We often overlook an essential, non‑material aspect of humanity while focusing on fragmented physical reality.
In simple terms: We miss a vital, non‑physical part of ourselves.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and nurture the intangible within.
Themes
humanity
spirituality
perception
materialism
meaning
Mood
contemplative
reflective
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- creative work
- philosophical inquiry
- spiritual practice
- scientific research
Key Concepts
divinity
essence
non‑material existence
holistic self
Questions to Reflect On
- What intangible qualities do you feel are essential to your identity?
- How can you balance material pursuits with spiritual needs?
A Different Perspective
The quote may romanticize a mystical core without empirical support.
![“[And while people ran about proclaiming such things,] I could only think that everything exists because of loss. From the bricks of our buildings, from cement to human cells, everything exists because of chemical transformation, and every chemical transformation is accompanied by loss. And when I…” quote by Anne Michaels](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/718/anne-michaels-8376_astronomy_and-while-people-ran-about-proclaiming-s_3138754.jpg)
![“What I believe is really good in the so-called documentary approach to photography is the addition of lyricism.[this quality] is usually produced unconsciously and even unintentionally and accidentally by the cameraman.” quote by Walker Evans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bfe/walker-evans-14813_approach_what-i-believe-is-really-good-in-the-so_209744.jpg)
![“Nobody should touch a Polaroid [camera] until he's over sixty” quote by Walker Evans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ccc/walker-evans-14813_cameras_nobody-should-touch-a-polaroid-camera-un_963399.jpg)
![“Brad [Dourif] would tell himself that he was not intentionally trying to mimic Jack Nicholson in any way. I think that actually bothers him a little bit. I just think maybe they have similar voices.” quote by David Kirschner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cfe/david-kirschner-22403_bits_brad-dourif-would-tell-himself-that-he-w_478.jpg)
