Those events which have passed, and which are the foundations of our lives, must be somewhere, he thought. They must be recapturable, even if only in a perfect world. How just it would be if for our final reward we were to be made the masters of time, and if those we love could come alive again not just in memory, but in truth.
Mark Helprin Winter's Tale
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In "Winter's Tale," the protagonist reflects on the nature of past events that shape our identities, contemplating their recapturability in an ideal world. He expresses a deep yearning for a reality where time can be mastered, allowing individuals to revisit their experiences and those they have lost. This desire highlights the significance of memories and relationships in our lives.

The thought of re-living moments alongside loved ones transcends mere nostalgia, suggesting a profound connection to the past. The character’s musings evoke a sense of justice in being granted such power as a final reward, emphasizing the beauty and complexity of human experiences and the enduring impact of love and memory.

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Winter's Tale
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Other quotes in Winter's Tale

Nothing is predetermined, it is determined, or was determined, or will be determined. No matter, it all happened at once, in less than an instant, and time was invented because we cannot comprehend in one glance the enormous and detailed canvas that we have been given - so we track it, in linear fashion piece by piece. Time however can be easily overcome; not by chasing the light, but by standing back far enough to see it all at once. The universe is still and complete. Everything that ever was is; everything that ever will be is - and so on, in all possible combinations.
Mark Helprin Winter's Tale
Nothing is predetermined, it is determined, or was determined, or will be determined. No matter, it all happened at once, in less than an instant, and time was invented because we cannot comprehend in one glance the enormous and detailed canvas that we have been given - so we track it, in linear fashion piece by piece. Time however can be easily overcome; not by chasing the light, but by standing back far enough to see it all at once. The universe is still and complete. Everything that ever was is; everything that ever will be is - and so on, in all possible combinations.
Craig Binky was sitting in a visible place and what happened at the moment did not escape a single person. He grabbed his breast and eyebrow, as if he got a heart attack and stroke at the same time, then began to curve, making a series of mines, which expression would embarrass the real mima.
Mark Helprin Winter's Tale
Craig Binky was sitting in a visible place and what happened at the moment did not escape a single person. He grabbed his breast and eyebrow, as if he got a heart attack and stroke at the same time, then began to curve, making a series of mines, which expression would embarrass the real mima.
A benevolent act is like a locust: it sleeps until it is called.
Mark Helprin Winter's Tale
A benevolent act is like a locust: it sleeps until it is called.
We will do what I always do in such situations, what I have already done a hundred times, which everyone who really knows the mountains does automatically. - Meaning? - catapult.
Mark Helprin Winter's Tale
We will do what I always do in such situations, what I have already done a hundred times, which everyone who really knows the mountains does automatically. - Meaning? - catapult.
She was most fucked by how the city is moving. From the distance, all his moving elements seemed to be subject to one law, invisible to any of them separately. River ships were moved by a strong counterpoint, strong as magnetic force, it was felt as clearly as their figures saw. Their intricate courses were like invisible threads.
Mark Helprin Winter's Tale
She was most fucked by how the city is moving. From the distance, all his moving elements seemed to be subject to one law, invisible to any of them separately. River ships were moved by a strong counterpoint, strong as magnetic force, it was felt as clearly as their figures saw. Their intricate courses were like invisible threads.
Don't tell anyone, but when he reads something that he likes he gets real happy, turns on the music, and dances by himself, or with a broom sometimes. Mum's the word." "I suppose it's because his wife's dead," said Christiana, "that he dances with a broom." "I don't think so," said Boonya. "He dances with a mop, too." "Maybe he had a mistress." "He did, but she had short hairs. I also got short-haired mops.
Mark Helprin Winter's Tale
Don't tell anyone, but when he reads something that he likes he gets real happy, turns on the music, and dances by himself, or with a broom sometimes. Mum's the word." "I suppose it's because his wife's dead," said Christiana, "that he dances with a broom." "I don't think so," said Boonya. "He dances with a mop, too." "Maybe he had a mistress." "He did, but she had short hairs. I also got short-haired mops.
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Other quotes in book quote

All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
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All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
{...} what I wish for Chizalum is the following: that she is full of opinions, and that her opinions stem from a well-informed, humane, and open mind. That she have health and happiness. That she have the life she wants to have.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Dear Ijeawele, or A...
{...} what I wish for Chizalum is the following: that she is full of opinions, and that her opinions stem from a well-informed, humane, and open mind. That she have health and happiness. That she have the life she wants to have.
«In memory of the countless men and women of all creeds, nations, and races who fell victim to the fascist and communist belief in the Inexorable Laws of Historical Destiny.»
Mario Vargas Llosa The call of the tribe
«In memory of the countless men and women of all creeds, nations, and races who fell victim to the fascist and communist belief in the Inexorable Laws of Historical Destiny.»
"That's a huge gamble." "We're long past the time for careful certainty."
Peter F. Hamilton The Evolutionary Void
"That's a huge gamble." "We're long past the time for careful certainty."
When had it become so ingrained in her to apologize whenever she wanted something for herself?
Robin Hobb The Rain Wilds...
When had it become so ingrained in her to apologize whenever she wanted something for herself?
Relationships and marriages are hard enough, but you add war into the mix and small fissures become gaping wounds. No one sees what you're seeing - again that clear-eyed, unbiased thing - except your fellow soldiers. It's like one of those movies where only the hero can see the ghosts and everyone else thinks the hero is crazy.
Harlan Coben Fool Me Once
Relationships and marriages are hard enough, but you add war into the mix and small fissures become gaping wounds. No one sees what you're seeing - again that clear-eyed, unbiased thing - except your fellow soldiers. It's like one of those movies where only the hero can see the ghosts and everyone else thinks the hero is crazy.
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