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This ascent will be betrayed to Gravity. But the Rocket engine, the deep cry of combustion that jars the soul, promises escape. The victim, in bondage to falling, rises on a promise, a prophecy, of Escape.... Moving now toward the kind of light where at last the apple is apple-colored. The knife cuts through the apple like a knife cutting an apple. Everything is where it is, no clearer than usual, but certainly more present. So much has to be left behind now, so quickly.

Thomas Pynchon#53

PhilosophyPsychologyEscapeMotivationPhysics

About this quote

What does it mean?
Gravity betrays the ascent, but the rocket’s combustion promises escape; the journey is vivid, leaving behind much quickly.
In plain terms
Gravity pulls down, but the rocket’s fire promises escape.
What can you take from it?
Even when pulled back, a powerful drive can lead to breakthrough.

Where it applies

  • in moments of setback
  • when describing perseverance

Putting it to work

  • focus on the inner drive that propels forward

Questions to consider

  • What forces hold you down, and what fuels your ascent?

Another view

Poetic language may obscure practical meaning.

More from Thomas Pynchon

  1. Each will have his personal Rocket.

    Permalink to quote #52
  2. 'The edge of evening ... the long curve of people all wishing on the first star.... Always remember those men and women along the thousands of miles of land an…

    Permalink to quote #54
  3. 'I want to break out - to leave this cycle of infection and death. I want to be taken in love: so taken that you and I, and death, and life, will be gathered i…

    Permalink to quote #51

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