The quote from Philip Pullman's "The Subtle Knife" emphasizes the interconnectedness of spirit and matter. It suggests that our essence, or spirit, emerges from our actions and interactions in the physical world, which is represented by matter. This idea implies that the two aspects are inseparable and that understanding ourselves requires recognizing how we engage with both the spiritual and physical realms.

This perspective reflects a holistic view of existence, where our identities and realities are shaped by the balance of our inner selves and our external experiences. Pullman invites us to consider the profound relationship between our intangible qualities, like spirit, and the tangible actions that define our lives, pointing towards a unified understanding of being.