When I prayed, I connected with my parents, with whom I otherwise would not be able to connect anymore, and I connected with the sensation that we are all children who have lost our parents, everyone—every man, woman, boy, and girl—and we will be lost to those who come after us and love us. This grief unites humanity, unites every human being, the fleeting nature of our existence here, our shared pain, the longing that we all carry inside but often refuse to recognize in others.

When I prayed, I connected with my parents, with whom I otherwise would not be able to connect anymore, and I connected with the sensation that we are all children who have lost our parents, everyone—every man, woman, boy, and girl—and we will be lost to those who come after us and love us. This grief unites humanity, unites every human being, the fleeting nature of our existence here, our shared pain, the longing that we all carry inside but often refuse to recognize in others.

📖 Mohsin Hamid

🌍 Pakistani  |  👨‍💼 Writer

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This quote deeply resonates with the universal experience of loss and the interconnectedness of human life. It speaks to the silent, often subconscious, ways in which individuals seek meaning and connection through spiritual or emotional practices like prayer. The act of praying becomes not just a dialogue with oneself or a higher power, but a bridge to the past—our parents, the original sources of our being—and to a collective memory that transcends personal boundaries. The notion that we are all children who have lost our parents underscores the fundamental human experience of vulnerability and the inevitable impermanence of life. Despite cultural or personal differences, this shared grief forms an invisible thread that unites humanity in compassion, sorrow, and an understanding of our transient existence.

Furthermore, the reflection that this grief unites us highlights the power of acknowledging our shared vulnerabilities rather than hiding them. Often, societal norms encourage us to appear strong or unaffected by loss, but true connection emerges from recognizing that everyone carries unspoken stories of longing and pain. The fleeting nature of life emphasizes the urgency to cherish our time, relationships, and the kindness we extend to others. It also points to a profound truth: that perhaps our greatest strength lies in embracing our shared mortality, that in recognizing the loss in ourselves and others, we foster empathy, solidarity, and a deeper appreciation for each fleeting moment.

This perspective invites us to see loss not merely as an end but as a universal bond—a reminder that in our vulnerability, we find common ground. It encourages embracing the full spectrum of human emotion and understanding that through shared suffering, we can find a collective resilience and belonging.

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August 01, 2025

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