If this world were an infinite plan and sailing to the East we could always reach new distances and discover sweeter and newer things than all the cyclades or the islands of King Solomon, then the journey would contain a promise. But, in chanting those distant mysteries we dream of, or in the tormenting hunting of that demonic ghost who sooner or later swims before all human hearts, hunting for such things around this globe, or or lead us to empty labyrinths or they leave us submerged halfway.
The quote from "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville reflects on the nature of exploration and the human desire for discovery. If the world were boundless and each journey led to new wonders, the pursuit of knowledge and experience would be fulfilling. However, the reality is often different, where the quest for deeper meaning can lead to frustration and emptiness, much like chasing an elusive ghost.
This passage encapsulates the idea that while the longing for adventure and the hunt for understanding are intrinsic to humanity, they may also result in feelings of being lost or unfulfilled. The search for the extraordinary can become a double-edged sword, taking us through complex emotional labyrinths and leaving us with a sense of incompleteness.