“Child, child, have patience and belief, for life is many days, and each present hour will pass away. Son, son, you have been mad and drunken, furious and wild, filled with hatred and despair, and all the dark confusions of the soul - but so have we. You found the earth too great for your one life, you found your brain and sinew smaller than the hunger and desire that fed on them - but it has been this way with all men. You have stumbled on in darkness, you have been pulled in opposite directions, you have faltered, you have missed the way, but, child, this is the chronicle of the earth. And now, because you have known madness and despair, and because you will grow desperate again before you come to evening, we who have stormed the ramparts of the furious earth and been hurled back, we who have been maddened by the unknowable and bitter mystery of love, we who have hungered after fame and savored all of life, the tumult, pain, and frenzy, and now sit quietly by our windows watching all that henceforth never more shall touch us - we call upon you to take heart, for we can swear to you that these things pass.”
Explore This Quote Further
Example of Usage
In Thomas Wolfe's novel, a character implores a troubled individual to have patience and belief in the face of life's challenges. The passage speaks to the universal struggles and experiences of mankind, offering reassurance that difficulties will pass.
Quote Analysis
In this quote from Thomas Wolfe, the speaker is offering words of wisdom and encouragement to a young person who has experienced struggles and despair. The speaker acknowledges the hardships that the young person has faced, but also emphasizes that these trials are a common experience shared by all individuals. The message conveys a sense of hope and resilience, reminding the reader that life is a journey with its ups and downs, but ultimately, all challenges will pass. This quote serves as a reminder to have patience, belief, and courage in the face of adversity.
Modern Relevance
In this excerpt from Thomas Wolfe's novel, the speaker acknowledges the trials and tribulations that come with life, urging the listener to have patience and belief in the face of challenges. The message of resilience and the passing nature of struggles remains relevant in today's fast-paced and uncertain world.
Reflection Questions
This powerful excerpt from Thomas Wolfe's writing touches on themes of struggle, despair, hope, and the passing nature of life's challenges. As you reflect on these words, consider the following questions to deepen your understanding and personal connection to the passage:
- Have you ever experienced a moment of darkness, confusion, or despair in your life? How did you navigate through it?
- In what ways do you relate to the feeling of being overwhelmed by the world's vastness and the limitations of your own being?
- How do you interpret the message of hope and resilience in the passage? How can you apply this message to your own life challenges?
- Reflect on a time when you felt pulled in different directions or lost your way. What did you learn from that experience?
- Consider the idea that all humans go through moments of madness, despair, and confusion. How does this universal experience connect us to others in our journey through life?
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