The main thing is to stand up to the light, to joy {like our child} in the knowledge that I shall be extinguished in the light over gorse, asphalt, and sea, to stand up to time, or rather to eternity in the instant. To be eternal means to have existed.
In Max Frisch's novel "Homo Faber," the central message emphasizes the importance of embracing happiness and light, akin to the innocent joy found in childhood. This reflection on joy highlights the inevitability of life's transience, where all experiences ultimately lead to an existence that is both ephemeral and profound. The notion of standing up to the light symbolizes a fearless acceptance of life's fleeting moments, including the inevitability of death.
The quote elaborates on the idea of facing time and eternity within the present moment. To be eternal is not to live forever but to have truly existed in the here and now. This perspective encourages individuals to cherish their experiences and find meaning in the brief instances of life, suggesting that the essence of existence lies in our awareness and appreciation of the time we have.
