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Quote by Ursula K. Le Guin

Work

Rocannon’s World

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Author

Ursula K. Le Guin
Ursula K. Le Guin

Ursula K. Le Guin, born on October 21, 1929, is an esteemed American author of science fiction and fantasy. Known for her profound philosophical insights, rich imagination, and unique narrative style, Le Guin's works have won numerous literary awards and have had a significant impact on science fiction and fantasy literature. Her most famous works include the 'Earthsea' series and 'The Left Hand of Darkness', which have won her awards such as the Nebula and Hugo Awards, and she has also received the National Book Award for lifetime achievement for her contributions to literature. more

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“That's what a secret is. It's a confession in disguise. Well, sort of. The whole power of a secret is in the keeping - the power of knowing something that nobody else does. But the whole point of confession is letting go. You're supposed to feel better afterward. Like the weight has been lifted and your soul is suddenly free to fly or whatever. But what if it isn't? What if, after telling someone, you feel just as bad as you did before, except now everybody else knows? And you can see it in their eyes as you walk down the hall? Your secrets staring right back at you? Wasn't it better, sometimes, to not say anything at all?”

“You don’t even realize you light up rooms wherever you go. When I saw you in the bar that night, it was like the spotlights were all pointed at you, making you glow.” He moves his hands over my bloodstained skin, cupping my breasts, roaming over my stomach, my thighs and hips. “Every man’s head was turned in your direction, and so were the women’s. You’re a thing of beauty, something to be admired and be jealous of. And you do it all just by being you. Your husband made you feel like you were nothing. But you, my sweet Lucy, are everything.”

“Scientists and shamans alike know that all of life is woven into a web of infinite connections, contributing to the larger whole in a system that is complex beyond our imagining. When we sit quietly at the edge of a lake, or hike through a wildflower-strewn meadow, or walk through a cool, dark forest, we quickly become aware of our unity with the natural world. We fall back into natural rhythms--rhythms we are no longer in synch with as a result of living by the clock and spending much of our time in man-made spaces lit by electricity. Nature has a way of recalibrating us and helping us gain a new perspective on our stressors so that they seem less overwhelming.”

“Those men have never done anything in their lives except stare at the clouds and the stars. The Indians take them food and tobacco, and on certain evenings gather around the fire as they tell their tribesmen all the strange thoughts and dreams which they have had. Huicholes believe that men cannot have pure thoughts if they are required to participate in the daily tasks of life.”