What is it, what nameless, inscrutable, unearthly thing is it; what cozening, hidden lord and master, and cruel, remorseless emperor commands me; that against all natural loving and longings, I so keep pushing, and crowding, and jamming myself on all the time; recklessly making me ready to do what in my own proper, natural heart, I durst not so much as dare?
The quote from "Moby-Dick" encapsulates the existential struggle the narrator faces. It reflects on the mysterious and overwhelming force that compels individuals to act against their own natural instincts and desires. This unnamable, powerful entity seems to govern one's thoughts and actions, pushing them towards decisions that contradict their true feelings and morals.
This inner turmoil raises profound questions about the nature of obsession and the conflicts between personal desires and external commands. The character is caught in a reflection of the human condition, struggling to comprehend why they continue to pursue something that feels inherently wrong or dangerous, highlighting the battle between reason and passion.