The few times I said to myself anywhere: 'Now that's a nice spot for a permanent home,' I would immediately hear in my mind the thunder of an avalanche carrying away the hundreds of far places which I would destroy by the very act of settling in one particular nook of the earth.
In Vladimir Nabokov's "Strong Opinions," the author reflects on the allure of finding a permanent home. However, he recognizes the inherent conflict in making such a choice. Each time he finds a place to settle, he envisions the destruction of the diverse experiences and landscapes he would leave behind, as if an avalanche were sweeping them away. This represents a deep appreciation for the transient nature of existence and the beauty found in exploration.
Nabokov's thoughts convey an understanding of the trade-offs involved in establishing roots. He implies that settling in one location comes at the cost of losing the vastness of the world, as each chosen spot confines him to a singular experience, overshadowing the many wonders of different places. His musings highlight the tension between the desire for stability and the yearning for adventure.
