You were not there for the beginning. You will not be there for the end. Your knowledge of what is going on can only be superficial and relative
In "Naked Lunch," William S. Burroughs conveys a sense of exclusion from the fundamental aspects of existence. The quote emphasizes that one's understanding of life and events is limited because they did not witness the beginning or will not experience the end. This illustrates a philosophical perspective that recognizes the transitory nature of human experience and the inability to grasp the full picture of reality.
Burroughs suggests that knowledge is inherently partial and subjective, shaped by individual experiences rather than an absolute truth. This perspective invites readers to reflect on the constraining nature of perception, reinforcing the idea that much of what we think we know is based on isolated moments rather than a comprehensive understanding of life’s continuum.
