“Owen Meany believed that “coincidence” was a stupid, shallow refuge sought by stupid, shallow people who were unable to accept the fact that their lives were shaped by a terrifying and awesome design – more powerful and unstoppable than the Yankee Flyer. (a train)”
Quote Analysis
In this quote from John Irving's novel "A Prayer for Owen Meany," the character Owen Meany expresses his belief that the concept of "coincidence" is a weak explanation for the events and occurrences in our lives. Instead, Owen Meany believes that our lives are guided by a grander, more mysterious design that is beyond our control. By comparing this design to a powerful and unstoppable force like a train, Meany emphasizes the idea that fate plays a significant role in shaping our destinies. This quote challenges readers to consider the idea of fate and the role it plays in their own lives.
The concept of coincidence according to Owen Meany
In this quote from John Irving's novel "A Prayer for Owen Meany," the character Owen Meany challenges the idea of coincidence, believing that events in life are part of a larger, predetermined design. This belief can be seen as a reflection of a modern relevance in the sense that it prompts individuals to consider the idea of fate and destiny shaping their lives. It encourages a deeper reflection on the interconnectedness of events and the possibility of a greater plan at work. This perspective invites individuals to find meaning and purpose in their experiences, rather than attributing everything to mere chance or coincidence.
Quote from John Irving's "A Prayer for Owen Meany"
In this quote from John Irving's novel "A Prayer for Owen Meany," the character Owen Meany expresses his belief that life is not shaped by mere coincidence, but rather by a powerful and unstoppable design.
"Owen Meany believed that “coincidence” was a stupid, shallow refuge sought by stupid, shallow people who were unable to accept the fact that their lives were shaped by a terrifying and awesome design – more powerful and unstoppable than the Yankee Flyer."
Reflection Questions
Reflecting on this quote from the character Owen Meany in John Irving's novel, consider the following questions:
- Do you believe in the concept of coincidence or do you think that events in our lives are part of a greater design?
- How does your perspective on life events shape your beliefs about fate and destiny?
- Have you ever experienced a moment in your life that made you question whether there was a greater design at work?
Similar quotes
“Sincerity is the last refuge of the shallow.”
“Seriousness is the only refuge of the shallow.”
“You know, ogres only sound stupid. Most are pretty smart.""And it's a shallow person who judges anyone by the way they sound. I'm so shallow I'm surprised I don't reflect myself.”
“An intelligent observation of the facts of human existence will reveal to shallow-minded folk who sneer at the use of coincidence in the arts of fiction and drama that life itself is little more than a series of coincidences. Open the history of the past at whatsoever page you will, and there you shall find coincidence at work bringing about events that the merest chance might have averted. Indeed, coincidence may be defined as the very tool used by Fate to shape the destiny of men and nations. Observe it now at work in the affairs of Captain Blood and of some others.”
“... They're stupid. Who cares?""I care. They bother me. And that's why I'm stupid. That makes me exponentially more stupid than stupid. I'm stupid to the power of stupid.”