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About this quote

What does it mean?
Life is framed as a brief moment of light between two vast darknesses, yet we fear death more than birth.
In plain terms
We live briefly between two darks but worry more about the end.
What can you take from it?
Human perspective often distorts the symmetry of birth and death.

Where it applies

  • existential reflection
  • life review
  • meditation

Putting it to work

  • philosophical writing
  • grief counseling
  • self reflection

Questions to consider

  • How do you view the beginning and end of life?
  • What calms your fear of the unknown?

Another view

The metaphor assumes a binary view of existence that may not align with all beliefs.

More from Vladimir Nabokov

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  3. Curiosity is insubordination in its purest form.

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