In "Station Eleven" by Emily St. John Mandel, the quote "I have walked all my life through this tarnished world" reflects the struggles and challenges faced by the characters in a post-apocalyptic setting. The phrase encapsulates a sense of weariness and the impact of living in a world marked by loss and decay, where beauty and art still exist amidst the ruins of civilization.

This sentiment echoes the novel's themes of survival, the importance of human connection, and the enduring nature of art. As characters navigate their new reality, they hold onto memories and the hope that persists, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit even when faced with a tarnished existence.