Maybe you'll come to know that every man in every generation is refired. Does a craftsman, even in his old age, lose his hunger to make a perfect cup--thin, strong, translucent?" He held his cup to the light. " All impurities burned out and ready for a glorious flux, and for that-- more fire. And then either the slag heap or, perhaps what no one in the world ever quite gives up, perfection." He drained his cup and he said loudly, "Cal, listen to me. Can you think that whatever made us-- would stop trying?
The quote reflects on the cyclical nature of human experience and aspiration. It suggests that every person, across generations, undergoes a process of refinement, much like a craftsman continuously striving for mastery. The act of creating something perfect, symbolized by the making of a flawless cup, represents the relentless pursuit of excellence and the desire to rise above imperfections. This desire for improvement is not just for the sake of craftsmanship but is woven into the fabric of human existence.
Moreover, the speaker emphasizes that this pursuit is an inherent part of our being, instilling hope that whatever higher force created us continues to drive us toward a better version of ourselves. The idea that we are always refining and reenacting our struggles speaks to the universal human condition of aspiration and growth, suggesting that perfection is an ideal we may never fully achieve, yet one that we must continue to chase with vigor.
