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But to go deeper, beneath what people said (and these judgements, how superficial, how fragmentary they are!) in her own mind now, what did it mean to her, this thing she called life? Oh, it was very queer. Here was So-and-so in South Kensington; some one up in Bayswater; and somebody else, say, in Mayfair. And she felt quiet continuously a sense of their existence and she felt what a waste; and she felt what a pity; and she felt if only they could be brought together; so she did it. And it was an offering; to combine, to create; but to whom? An offering for the sake of offering, perhaps. Anyhow, it was her gift. Nothing else had she of the slightest importance; could not think, write, even play the piano. She muddled Armenians and Turks; loved success; hated discomfort; must be liked; talked oceans of nonsense: and to this day, ask her what the Equator was, and she did not know. All the same, that one day should follow another; Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday; that one should wake up in the morning; see the sky; walk in the park; meet Hugh Whitbread; then suddenly in came Peter; then these roses; it was enough. After that, how unbelievable death was! - that it must end; and no one in the whole world would know how she had loved it all.

Virginia Woolf#8

ConnectionArtistryPurposeSelf doubtSelf perceptionSocial lifeTalent

About this quote

What does it mean?
She feels a sense of wasted potential in others and tries to bring people together as a personal gift, though she lacks other talents and knowledge.
In plain terms
She tries to connect people because she feels their isolated lives are a waste, even though she isn't smart or talented in other ways.
What can you take from it?
Connecting others can be a meaningful act even if you feel personally limited.

Where it applies

  • social gatherings
  • community building
  • personal reflection

Putting it to work

  • host events
  • introduce people
  • volunteer

Questions to consider

  • What does it mean to live a meaningful life?
  • Is connection enough when other talents are missing?

Another view

She admits she lacks real knowledge or skill beyond this social arranging.

More from Virginia Woolf

  1. What she loved was this, here, now, in front of her; the fat lady in the cab. Did it matter then, she asked herself, walking towards Bond Street, did it matter…

    Permalink to quote #7
  2. A light here required a shadow there.

    Permalink to quote #9
  3. It was enemies one wanted, not friends.

    Permalink to quote #6

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