You didn't have to know Pilu for long to see that he floated through life like a coconut on the ocean. He always bobbed up. There was some sort of natural spring of cheerfulness that bubbled to the surface. Sadness was like a cloud across the sun, soon past. Sorrow was tucked away somewhere in his head, locked up in a cage with a blanket over it, like the captain's parrot.

You didn't have to know Pilu for long to see that he floated through life like a coconut on the ocean. He always bobbed up. There was some sort of natural spring of cheerfulness that bubbled to the surface. Sadness was like a cloud across the sun, soon past. Sorrow was tucked away somewhere in his head, locked up in a cage with a blanket over it, like the captain's parrot.

📖 Terry Pratchett

🌍 English  |  👨‍💼 Author

🎂 April 28, 1948  –  ⚰️ March 12, 2015
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[Taking a moment to reflect on this vivid imagery, it's clear that Pilu embodies resilience and an indomitable spirit. His ability to 'float' through life's inevitable storms suggests a person who maintains buoyancy despite difficulties—a sort of internal buoy that keeps him afloat. The metaphor of a coconut on the ocean also emphasizes how he remains unburdened or unaffected by turbulent tides, always returning to a state of cheerfulness that 'bubbles to the surface.' This image reminds us that positivity and optimism can be natural parts of our demeanor, even in the face of sorrow. The comparison of sadness to a passing cloud offers a reassuring notion—emotions like grief or despair are transient and temporary like fleeting weather events. The idea that sorrow is 'locked away' in his mind in a cage with a blanket over it adds a layer to our understanding: it hints at coping mechanisms, compartmentalization, or perhaps the need to sometimes conceal uncomfortable feelings to carry on. Overall, the quote captures the nuance of human resilience—the capacity to experience a spectrum of emotions without being overwhelmed by them, and to maintain a cheerful outlook despite life's inevitable hardships. This inspires a contemplative appreciation of the ways individuals forge their own mental and emotional 'buoys,' for in floating, we find the grace to continue navigating the unpredictable currents of life.

( Nation ) - author: '---Terry Pratchett---'

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