Life is short, he thought. Art, or something not life, is long, stretching out endless, like concrete worm. Flat, white, unsmoothed by any passage over or across it. Here I stand. But no longer.

Life is short, he thought. Art, or something not life, is long, stretching out endless, like concrete worm. Flat, white, unsmoothed by any passage over or across it. Here I stand. But no longer.

📖 Philip K. Dick

🌍 American  |  👨‍💼 Writer

🎂 December 16, 1928  –  ⚰️ March 2, 1982
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The protagonist reflects on the brevity of life contrasted with the timelessness of art. He perceives art as a permanent fixture, unyielding and untouched, akin to a long, flat surface that endures through time. This metaphor underscores a sense of permanence in a world that feels fleeting.

In this moment, he acknowledges his presence in a vast expanse, yet his existence feels ephemeral. The imagery of the "concrete worm" suggests something that, while long-lasting, lacks the vibrancy and smoothness that comes from experience or interaction. This evokes a profound sense of solitude amidst the enduring essence of art.

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September 15, 2025

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