“You never hear of a sportsman losing his sense of smell in a tragic accident and for good reason; in order for the universe to teach excruciating lessons that are unable to apply in later life, the sportsman must lose his legs, the philosopher his mind, the painter his eyes, the musician his ears, the chef his tongue.”
Analysis of Quote by Steve Toltz
Steve Toltz's quote highlights the idea that individuals often suffer tragic accidents in ways that directly impact their ability to work in their respective fields. The quote suggests that the universe teaches excruciating lessons that are specifically tailored to the talents and passions of each individual. This concept raises the question of whether these tragedies are random or if there is some larger, deliberate force at play. It also speaks to the notion that our greatest strengths can sometimes be our greatest vulnerabilities.
Modern Relevance of Losing Senses in Tragic Accidents
Steve Toltz's quote highlighting the different senses that individuals may lose in tragic accidents may seem extreme at first, but it serves to underscore the important role senses play in our lives. In today's society, where advancements in technology and medicine constantly push boundaries, losing a sense can still have a significant impact on an individual's life. Whether it is through physical injury, illness, or other unforeseen circumstances, the loss of a sense can profoundly affect a person's way of living and navigating the world. This quote serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of our senses and the importance of cherishing them in our daily lives.
Example of Usage
In this quote from Steve Toltz, the idea of losing a sense being a specific and tragic consequence for different professions is explored. It highlights the importance of each sense for individuals in different fields.
Reflection Questions
When considering this quote by Steve Toltz, one may contemplate the idea of sacrifice and loss in pursuit of one's passion. The analogy presented here raises profound questions about the nature of suffering and its connection to personal growth and artistic expression.
- In what ways do you interpret the various examples given (sportsman, philosopher, painter, musician, chef) in relation to the concept of loss and learning?
- How do you personally relate to the idea of sacrificing one aspect of yourself for the sake of honing another skill or talent?
- Do you believe that intense suffering is a necessary component of artistic or intellectual achievement, as implied in the quote? Why or why not?
- How does this quote challenge or reinforce your own beliefs about the connection between hardship and personal development?
Similar quotes
“A writer should write with his eyes and a painter paint with his ears.”
“All men are tragic...All men are comic...Every man is important if he loses his life; and every man is funny if he loses his hat.”
“It might seem that the empirical philosopher is the slave of his material, but that the pure mathematician, like the musician, is a free creator of his world of ordered beauty.”
“The painter has the Universe in his mind and hands.”
“I nestled my face closer to his neck, wanting to smell his skin, lose myself in the scent and feel of him as we swayed slowly to the beat of music I couldn't hear because his voice was in my mind...and it was the only sound I ever wanted to hear again.”