Stories as written are progressive, sentences must build upon sentence as brick upon brick, yet the beauty of this life in its endless mystery is circular. Sun & moon, spheres endlessly circling. Black man, full circle; white man, bisected circle; life, the third circle, on & on, & round & round.

Stories as written are progressive, sentences must build upon sentence as brick upon brick, yet the beauty of this life in its endless mystery is circular. Sun & moon, spheres endlessly circling. Black man, full circle; white man, bisected circle; life, the third circle, on & on, & round & round.

📖 Richard Flanagan

🌍 Australian  |  👨‍💼 Novelist

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This quote eloquently captures the intricate relationship between the structure of stories and the cyclical nature of life. It highlights how written narratives are constructed progressively—each sentence building upon the previous like bricks stacking to form a strong foundation. This progression reflects the human desire for understanding and meaning, creating a linear path through our experiences. However, juxtaposed against this linearity is the recognition of life's true essence: its mystery and cyclical rhythm. The imagery of celestial bodies like the sun and moon emphasizes the endless cycle of renewal, change, and continuity that defines existence. The mention of circles symbolizes completeness, eternity, and the interconnectedness of all life forms and experiences. The racial allegories—the black man as a full circle, the white man as a bisected circle—can symbolize unity, duality, or the multiple facets of identity. The life cycle being the third circle suggests that existence itself is an ongoing cycle, beyond linear storytelling or singular moments. This duality—progression in our stories and the circular rhythm of life—serves as a reminder that while human pursuits often seek to make sense of events sequentially, life's true nature is fluid, repeating, and infinite. Embracing this duality can deepen our understanding of ourselves and our place in the universe, encouraging us to see beyond the linear and appreciate the continuous, cyclical patterns that govern our journey.

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August 10, 2025

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