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About this quote

What does it mean?
Human existence continues despite a lack of deep awareness or connection to surroundings.
In plain terms
We live without truly feeling our ground or hearing each other.
What can you take from it?
Awareness of our environment is often lacking.

Where it applies

  • daily life
  • urban living
  • existential reflection

Putting it to work

  • seek awareness
  • connect with surroundings
  • listen closely

Questions to consider

  • Are you aware of the land beneath you?
  • How connected do you feel to others?

Another view

The quote assumes universal disconnection which may not apply.

More from Osip Mandelstam

  1. Only in Russia poetry is respected - it gets people killed. Is there anywhere else where poetry is so common a motive for murder?

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