“We live by our labors from one harvest to the next, there is no certain telling whether we shall be able to feed ourselves and our children, and if bad times are prolonged we know we must see the weak surrender their lives and this fact, too, is within our experience. In our lives there is no margin for misfortune.”
Explore This Quote Further
Analysis of Quote by Kamala Markandaya
In this quote, Kamala Markandaya eloquently describes the harsh realities faced by those who rely on their labor to survive. The uncertainty of being able to provide for oneself and one's family is a constant worry, as even a slight misfortune can have devastating consequences. The mention of seeing the weak surrender their lives highlights the grim outcome that can occur in times of prolonged hardship. Markandaya effectively captures the precarious nature of living hand to mouth, where there is no room for error or misfortune.
Modern Relevance:
In today's fast-paced world, the quote by Kamala Markandaya still holds true for many individuals and families. The uncertainty of job security, economic stability, and the looming threat of poverty continue to be a harsh reality for many people.
Living from paycheck to paycheck, the fear of not being able to provide for oneself and loved ones is a constant concern. The lack of a safety net or margin for error can make the consequences of misfortune even more severe.
In a society where financial stability is not guaranteed, Markandaya's words serve as a reminder of the harsh realities faced by many individuals and families, highlighting the importance of addressing issues of poverty and economic inequality.
Quote from Kamala Markandaya
The quote reflects the harsh realities faced by those who rely on their labor for survival.
“We live by our labors from one harvest to the next, there is no certain telling whether we shall be able to feed ourselves and our children, and if bad times are prolonged we know we must see the weak surrender their lives and this fact, too, is within our experience. In our lives there is no margin for misfortune.” - Kamala Markandaya
Reflection Questions
This quote by Kamala Markandaya reflects the harsh reality faced by many individuals living in poverty and uncertainty. Consider the following questions to delve deeper into the implications of this statement:
How does the uncertainty of being able to feed oneself and one's family impact a person's daily life and decisions?
In what ways does the fear of not being able to survive in times of bad harvests affect an individual's mental health and well-being?
How does the idea of having no margin for misfortune in one's life shape a person's perspective on risk-taking and planning for the future?
Reflecting on these questions can provide insight into the experiences of those who live in constant economic instability and insecurity.
Similar quotes
“To those who live by the land there must always come times of hardship, of fear and of hunger, even as there are years of plenty. This is one of the truths of our existence as those who live by the land know: that sometimes we eat and sometimes we starve. We live by our labours fromone harvest to the next, there is no certain telling whether we shall be able to feed ourselves and our children, and if bad times are prolonged we know we must see the weak surrender their lives and this fact, too, is within our experience. In our lives there is no margin for misfortune.”
“Well, and what if we give in to our troubles at every step! We would be pitiable creatures indeed to be so weak, for is not a man's spirit given to him to rise above his misfortunes? As for our wants, they are many and unfilled, for who is so rich or compassionate as to supply them? Want is our companion from birth to death, familiar as the seasons or the earth, varying only in degree. What profit to bewail that which has always been and cannot change?”
“Sometimes at night I think that my husband is with me again, coming gently through the mists, and we are tranquil together. Then the morning comes, the wavering grey turns to gold, there is stirring within me as the sleepers awake, and he softly departs.”
“For where shall a man turn who has no money? Where can he go? Wide, wide world, but as narrow as the coins in your hand. Like a tethered goat, so far and no farther. Only money can make the rope stretch, only money.”
“Nature is like a wild animal that you have trained to work for you. So long as you are vigilant and walk warily with thought and care, so long will it give you its aid; but look away for an instant, be heedless or forgetful, and it has you by the throat.”
“We are living now. We shall not live long. No one should tell us we shall live again. This is our little while. This is our chance.”