“I am like a person whose hands were kept numb, without sensation from the first moment of awareness - until one day the ability to feel is forced into them. And I say "Look! I have no hands!" But the people all around me say: "What are hands?”
Quote Analysis
In this quote by Frank Herbert, the speaker metaphorically describes feeling isolated and disconnected from those around them. The use of the metaphor of hands being numb, and then suddenly gaining sensation, illustrates the feeling of finally becoming aware of something that was previously absent. Despite the speaker's new awareness, the people around them are unable to understand or relate to this newfound insight, highlighting the theme of individuality and the struggle to convey personal experiences to others. The quote serves as a powerful commentary on the challenges of communication and understanding in a world where not everyone may share the same experiences or perspective.
Understanding the Value of Ignorance
In this quote by Frank Herbert, the author illustrates the concept of ignorance until a new perspective is gained. This idea can be applied to the modern world in various ways, highlighting the importance of recognizing and appreciating new viewpoints.
Reflection on Perception and Awareness
"I am like a person whose hands were kept numb, without sensation from the first moment of awareness - until one day the ability to feel is forced into them. And I say, 'Look! I have no hands!' But the people all around me say, 'What are hands?'" - Frank Herbert
Reflection Questions
In this quote by Frank Herbert, the idea of suddenly realizing a lack of awareness or understanding is presented. Reflecting on this quote can help us examine our own perceptions and assumptions. Consider the following questions:
- Have there been moments in your life where you suddenly became aware of something you had been missing or unaware of previously?
- How do you think societal norms and expectations can influence our perceptions of reality?
- Do you believe that understanding and awareness are innate qualities or learned behaviors?
- How can we cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and understanding in our own lives?
- In what ways can empathy and open-mindedness help us broaden our perspectives and challenge our assumptions?
Similar quotes
“...I couldn't let go of her hand. For a few moments, I looked at the shape of it, the roundness of her fingers. I realized that her hands gave me a sense of comfort because they were the most familiar part of her to me. Those hands had always been in my sight when I was a child. Those were the hands I held crossing the street, the hands that made me lunch and cooked me dinner, the hands that stroked me when I was feeling sad, the hands on the steering wheel driving me all over town, the hands whose rings I had looked at and played with, turning them around on her finger. I knew then that regardless of how we had fought and cried and how adoption had affected us both, those hands, free of words and emotional baggage, encompassed everything. They were pure love-all the love that she had for me.”
“He doesn’t have to say it, I feel it too; it’s not subtle - like every bell for miles and miles is ringing at once, loud and clanging, hungry ones and tiny, happy, chiming ones, all of them sounding off in this moment. I put my hands around his neck, pull him to me, and then he’s kissing me hard and so deep, and i am flying, sailing, soaring…”
“Exactly what am I supposed to care about? That we were just getting to the fun stuff? That my hand was on your breasts, and your hands were all over my chest, and both of us were having a good time? Damn right I care about that. I wasn’t finished. But don’t expect me to care that a little old lady looked in the window and watched. Why should I care what people are going to say about that? People have talked about me since the day I was born. I stopped caring a long time ago.”
“There are times when I look over the various parts of my character with perplexity. I recognize that I am made up of several persons and that the person that at the moment has the upper hand will inevitably give place to another. But which is the real one? All of them or none?”
“He looked up at me without saying a word. I tried to hold it together but I could feel myself breaking as I fell to the floor, my face in my hands – tears flowing down my cheeks. For the first time in a while I felt like I was truly losing a hold of myself.”