“To us, our house was not unsentient matter -- it had a heart, and a soul, and eyes to see us with; and approvals and solicitudes and deep sympathies; it was of us, and we were in its confidence, and lived in its grace and in the peace of its benediction.”
Reflection Questions
Reflecting on this quote by Mark Twain, consider the following questions:
- How does this quote challenge your perspective on inanimate objects and the spaces we inhabit?
- In what ways do you personally relate to the idea of a house having a heart, soul, and eyes to see you with?
- How does the concept of a house having approvals, solicitudes, and deep sympathies shape your understanding of the relationship between people and their living spaces?
- Have you ever experienced a sense of connection or communication with a particular place or building, similar to what Twain describes? If so, how did it make you feel?
- How can viewing a house as more than just a physical structure enhance our appreciation and relationship with the spaces we occupy?
Quote Analysis
In this quote, Mark Twain beautifully captures the deep emotional connection that can exist between individuals and their homes. Twain personifies the house, attributing human-like qualities such as a heart, soul, and eyes. This emphasizes the idea that a house is more than just a physical structure; it is a place of comfort and security, where inhabitants feel a sense of belonging and protection. The language used conveys a sense of intimacy and closeness, suggesting that the relationship between humans and their homes is a profound and spiritual one.
Modern Relevance
In today's fast-paced and technology-driven world, Mark Twain's words about the relationship between humans and their homes still hold significance. This quote reminds us to appreciate the emotional connection we have with our living spaces and the importance of creating a nurturing environment for ourselves. It encourages us to see our homes as more than just physical structures, but as places that provide comfort, support, and a sense of belonging. By recognizing the mutual relationship we have with our homes, we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for the spaces we inhabit and strive to make them a reflection of our values and identities.
Mark Twain's Perspective on Houses
“To us, our house was not unsentient matter -- it had a heart, and a soul, and eyes to see us with; and approvals and solicitudes and deep sympathies; it was of us, and we were in its confidence, and lived in its grace and in the peace of its benediction.” - Mark Twain
Similar quotes
“Only part of us is sane: only part of us loves pleasure and the longer day of happiness, wants to live to our nineties and die in peace, in a house that we built, that shall shelter those who come after us. The other half of us is nearly mad. It prefers the disagreeable to the agreeable, loves pain and its darker night despair, and wants to die in a catastrophe that will set back life to its beginnings and leave nothing of our house save its blackened foundations.”
“We mourn for the dead, but it's a selfish act. It may be a tragedy that so many young lives are lost to us, but it's our tragedy alone because they are at peace.”
“But I came to learn that God never shows us something we aren't ready to understand. Instead, He lets us see what we need to see, when we need to see it. He'll wait until our eyes and hearts are open to Him, and then when we're ready, He will plant our feet on the path that's best for us...but it's up to us to do the walking.”
“...I came to realize that God never shows us something we aren't ready to understand. Instead, He lets us see what we need to see, when we need to see it. He'll wait until our eyes and hearts are open to Him, and then when we're ready. He will plant our feet on the path that's best for us. . . but it's up to us to do the walking.”
“No. Take the heart first. Then you don't feel the cold so much. The pain so much. With the heart gone, there's no reason to stay your hand. Your eyes can look on death and not tremble. It's the heart that betrays us, makes us weep, makes us bury our friends when we should be marching ahead. It's the heart that sickens us at night and makes us hate who we are. It's the heart that sings old songs and brings memories of warm days.”