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I want to know, for example, why beauty exists,' she [Gabrielle] said, 'why nature continues to contrive it, and what is the link between the life of a lightning storm with the feelings these things inspire in us? If God does not exist, if these things are not unified into one metaphorical system, then why do they retain for us such symbolic power? Lestat calls it the Savage Garden, but for me that is not enough.

Anne Rice#10

BeautyGodMeaningNatureSymbolism

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker questions why beauty and nature inspire symbolic feelings without a unified divine system.
In plain terms
Why do nature and beauty give us meaning if God does not exist?
What can you take from it?
Nature inspires feelings that suggest a unifying meaning.

Where it applies

  • Questioning atheism
  • Discussing art and nature
  • Exploring symbolism

Putting it to work

  • Philosophy of art
  • Nature writing
  • Theological debate

Questions to consider

  • Why does a storm move you?
  • Does beauty prove God exists?

Another view

Beauty can inspire feeling without requiring a divine system.

More from Anne Rice

  1. The truth is most women are weak, be they mortal or immortal. But when they are strong, they are absolutely unpredictable.

    Permalink to quote #9
  2. Doesn't matter now, devils who paint angels.

    Permalink to quote #11
  3. 'Good? What are you talking about, 'Good'?'

    Permalink to quote #8

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