{I}f I can be sure of any aspect of your character, it is that you are not as I. Since all I can do here is imagine you in my image, of course I have failed. I was as fossil fuels made me. They kept my lights on. Hence I who imagine myself to be open-minded will appear to you as deservedly dead, fossilized in the stratum of my own period's prejudices.
by William T. Vollmann
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The quote reflects on the limitations of understanding others, suggesting that it's impossible to fully perceive someone else's character through one's own biases. The speaker acknowledges that their imagination is confined to their own experiences and beliefs, leading to a distorted view of others. This failure to step outside oneself reveals how personal prejudices can hinder genuine understanding.
The metaphor of fossil fuels symbolizes how societal factors shape individual identity and worldview. The speaker feels trapped in their own era's prejudices, which contrasts with the hope of being perceived as open-minded. This realization highlights the struggle of recognizing and overcoming ingrained limitations to connect authentically with others.
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