Who said it? – probably Confucius – I can't beat a sculpture from a stone with a sledgehammer; I can't free the soul of man by violence. Peace was here, peace was now. Peace promised in any other time or place was a lie.
Denis Johnson Tree of Smoke
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The quote reflects on the futility of using violence to achieve profound changes, particularly regarding the human spirit. It suggests that one cannot force transformation or enlightenment through aggressive means, much like attempting to sculpt stone with brute force. The essence of peace is depicted as something that exists in the present, rather than a distant promise of the future. This perspective challenges the reader to consider the true nature of peace and violence in the context of human experience.

In Denis Johnson's "Tree of Smoke," this message resonates with the broader themes of conflict and the search for meaning during troubled times. The idea that genuine peace can only manifest in the here and now reinforces the notion that waiting for external circumstances to change before finding inner tranquility is misguided. Ultimately, the quote serves as a powerful reminder that the path to understanding and peace requires patience, introspection, and a rejection of violent solutions.

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Tree of Smoke
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Denis Johnson
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February 22, 2025
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Other quotes in Tree of Smoke

Pointless labor, useless trash, but for the bureaucrat nothing's trash until he affronts his soul by throwing it out.
Denis Johnson Tree of Smoke
Pointless labor, useless trash, but for the bureaucrat nothing's trash until he affronts his soul by throwing it out.
Staring at his own face reflected in a cup of bitter karma. For
Denis Johnson Tree of Smoke
Staring at his own face reflected in a cup of bitter karma. For
Sands vanquished a rush of fear and said emphatically, I'm your man, sir. Get in there. Have intercourse with snakes. Eat human flesh. Learn everything. That's pretty broad.
Denis Johnson Tree of Smoke
Sands vanquished a rush of fear and said emphatically, I'm your man, sir. Get in there. Have intercourse with snakes. Eat human flesh. Learn everything. That's pretty broad.
In fact he was no longer persuaded that blood and revolution made useful tools for altering the concepts in a person's mind. Who said it?-probably Confucius-" I can't beat a sculpture from a stone with a sledgehammer; I can't free the soul of a man by violence." Peace was here, peace was now. Peace promised in any other time or place was a lie.
Denis Johnson Tree of Smoke
In fact he was no longer persuaded that blood and revolution made useful tools for altering the concepts in a person's mind. Who said it?-probably Confucius-" I can't beat a sculpture from a stone with a sledgehammer; I can't free the soul of a man by violence." Peace was here, peace was now. Peace promised in any other time or place was a lie.
Skip had never bowled, never before this moment even observed. The appeal was obvious, the cleanly geometry, the assurances of physical ballistics, the organic richness of the wooden lanes and the mute servitude of the machines that raised the pins and swept away the fallen, above all the powerlessness and suspense, the ball held, the ball directed, the ball traveling away like a son, beyond hope of influence. A slow, large, powerful game. Sands
Denis Johnson Tree of Smoke
Skip had never bowled, never before this moment even observed. The appeal was obvious, the cleanly geometry, the assurances of physical ballistics, the organic richness of the wooden lanes and the mute servitude of the machines that raised the pins and swept away the fallen, above all the powerlessness and suspense, the ball held, the ball directed, the ball traveling away like a son, beyond hope of influence. A slow, large, powerful game. Sands
The appeal was obvious, the cleanly geometry, the assurances of physical ballistics, the organic richness of the wooden lanes and the mute servitude of the machines that raised the pins and swept away the fallen, above all the powerlessness and suspense, the ball held, the ball directed, the ball traveling away like a son, beyond hope of influence. A slow, large, powerful game. Sands
Denis Johnson Tree of Smoke
The appeal was obvious, the cleanly geometry, the assurances of physical ballistics, the organic richness of the wooden lanes and the mute servitude of the machines that raised the pins and swept away the fallen, above all the powerlessness and suspense, the ball held, the ball directed, the ball traveling away like a son, beyond hope of influence. A slow, large, powerful game. Sands
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All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Edward Gorey Ascending Peculiarity:...
All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
I don't have anything against God. Far from it. But I don't understand Him. And I don't trust a lot of the people that go around claiming that they're working in His best interests.
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I don't have anything against God. Far from it. But I don't understand Him. And I don't trust a lot of the people that go around claiming that they're working in His best interests.
I found Esau's field guide at the bottom of my pack. Taking a candle into the bedroom, I read his book until my eyes grew heavy. From his vast notes, it seemed that almost every plant and tree in the jungle had a reason for existing. I caught myself wishing there was a page in his guide that had my picture on it with the reason for my existence written underneath in Esau's neat hand.
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I found Esau's field guide at the bottom of my pack. Taking a candle into the bedroom, I read his book until my eyes grew heavy. From his vast notes, it seemed that almost every plant and tree in the jungle had a reason for existing. I caught myself wishing there was a page in his guide that had my picture on it with the reason for my existence written underneath in Esau's neat hand.
Here's a nifty solution: Each couple that marries should take on an entirely new surname, chosen however they want as long as both agree to it, so that a day after the wedding, both husband and wife can hold hands and joyfully journey off to the municipal offices to change their passports, driver's licenses, signatures, initials, bank accounts, etc.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Dear Ijeawele, or A...
Here's a nifty solution: Each couple that marries should take on an entirely new surname, chosen however they want as long as both agree to it, so that a day after the wedding, both husband and wife can hold hands and joyfully journey off to the municipal offices to change their passports, driver's licenses, signatures, initials, bank accounts, etc.
{...} 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.»
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