In spite of all evidence that life is discontinuous, a valley of rifts, and that random chance plays a great part in our fates, we go on believing in the continuity of things, in causation and meaning. But we live on a broken mirror, and fresh cracks appear in its surface every day.
The quote from Salman Rushdie's "The Ground Beneath Her Feet" reflects on the human tendency to seek continuity and coherence in life, despite recognizing the inherent randomness and discontinuity that characterize our existence. It suggests that we cling to beliefs in causation and meaning while being surrounded by the unpredictable and fractured nature of reality.
This imagery of a "broken mirror" symbolizes the fragility of our perceived understanding of life. Each new crack represents fresh challenges and disruptions, reminding us that our search for meaning often clashes with the chaotic, unpredictable aspects of life. Ultimately, it portrays a struggle between our desire for coherence and the acceptance of life's inherent uncertainties.