I've never done much, but I've lived my whole life thinking of myself as the only real man. And if I'm right, then a limpid, lonely horn is going to trumpet through the dawn some day, and a turgid cloud laced with light will sweep down, and the poignant voice of glory will call for me from the distance - and I'll have to jump out of bed and set out alone. That's why I've never married. I've waited, and waited, and here I am past thirty.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker lives as a solitary figure waiting for a sign of glory to justify his singleness. He remains unmarried anticipating a call to adventure that validates his self-image.
- In plain terms
- He stays single waiting for a moment that proves he is special.
- What can you take from it?
- Waiting for destiny can prevent engaging in ordinary life.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What validates a life lived alone?
- Is destiny external or internal?
Another view
Waiting indefinitely for external validation may lead to missed opportunities for connection.
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