Many people would have to hang by their teeth from a frayed cord suspended by a paper clip from a leaking hot air balloon over the Grand Canyon in order to feel what I feel standing on the third step of a stepladder trying to put millet in the bird feeder.

Many people would have to hang by their teeth from a frayed cord suspended by a paper clip from a leaking hot air balloon over the Grand Canyon in order to feel what I feel standing on the third step of a stepladder trying to put millet in the bird feeder.

📖 Ursula K. Le Guin

🌍 American  |  👨‍💼 Writer

🎂 October 21, 1929  –  ⚰️ January 22, 2018
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This quote vividly highlights the subjective nature of human experience and emotional depth. The imagery used—clinging desperately from a fragile, makeshift setup—serves as a metaphor for extraordinary effort or risk taken to achieve a feeling that might otherwise be considered mundane or simple. It underscores the idea that what one person perceives as an intense or significant experience can be entirely different from another's perspective. The extreme scenario described acts as a stark contrast to the everyday task of filling a bird feeder, which is generally a tranquil, routine activity. This juxtaposition invites reflection on how ordinary moments can carry profound emotional significance, depending on individual context or state of mind. Moreover, it suggests that our perception of hardship or effort is highly personalized. For some, the act of feeding birds may carry sentimental or therapeutic value, making it feel as intense as otherworldly adventures for others. The quote prompts us to consider the layers of meaning behind mundane tasks and to recognize the diverse emotional landscapes each person inhabits. It also reminds us that perceptions of struggle and effort are subjective; what appears trivial to one may be deeply meaningful to another. The notion of extreme measures to feel a certain way elevates a simple act, emphasizing internal experience over external circumstance. Overall, the quote encourages empathy and a deeper understanding of personal experience, urging us to appreciate that each individual's emotional universe is uniquely complex and valuable.

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July 23, 2025

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