Sunday, November 05, 2006

There is no greater sorrow than to recall in misery the time when we were happy

This is a quote from Dante, and I can't decide how true it is. On the one hand, it is true to say that to look back over what you've lost when you're feeling down is one of the worst things you can do. However, to look back over what you've been lucky enough to have, even though you have lost it... this should be comforting, surely? To be lucky enough to look back and smile, fondly recall times and places and people. Rather than not being able to name a single pleasant memory etc?

"We're born alone, we live alone, we die alone. Only through our love and friendship can we create the illusion for the moment that we're not alone". But what happens when technically you are not alone, you have friends, family and so on, you love them, and they love you... what hppens when even then you feel alone? Are you greedy because it's not enough, or are you aware of this idea that Orson Welles put forth, or are you aware of the problems that exist.

What happens if you can see the problems, but you can't solve them. What if you don't even know why they are there, where they came from, or anything?

"Pray that your loneliness may spur you into finding something to live for, great enough to die for" (Daq Hammerskjold). I guess, then, that is all we have to hold on to.

2 comments:

Katita said...

Hmm... interesting thoughts Vicky. I don't totally know that I agree with Orson Welles that we are always alone, but I do understand how easy it can sometimes be to feel lonely even when surrounded by people, and I don't think that's something that should make anyone feel guilty, or greedy. I think that loneliness is kind of a sense of unfulfillment and unhappiness with youself and so sometimes no matter how many people are around you, or how much you love them or how much the love you... if you can't find a reason to love yourself you will cut yourself off from everyone.

So I think that part of what Daq Hammerskjold is saying is that we have to find meaning and contentment in every area of our lives to keep loneliness away... Well, that's what I think and I'm not totally sure I've explained it so well, but there we go!

Anonymous said...

I think you explained it well...sounds like a voice of experience Kat?