"The secret of magic is that we carry it with us always, already in our pockets and our shoes."
Michael Ondaatje suggests that inherent within each person lies a natural ability to create magic or inspire wonder – a quality not tied to a specific location or possession, but rather an innate trait carried by us wherever we go. In other words, we all have the power to enchant and transform experiences through our perspectives, emotions, and actions.
"You miss him terribly at first, then it starts to be bearable, then you forget."
This quote by Michael Ondaatje suggests that the process of coping with loss or absence follows a natural progression. Initially, the pain is intense as one deeply yearns for the lost individual. However, as time passes, the pain becomes manageable, creating a sense of bearability. Eventually, the passage of time and the development of new experiences may lead to forgetting aspects of the absent person or the pain they left behind, but the memory of them remains forever.
"Love is a temporary madness, it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision."
This quote by Michael Ondaatje highlights the intense and passionate nature of love, comparing it to a volcanic eruption. It suggests that love can be overwhelming and all-consuming in its intensity, but also temporary and fleeting, much like a volcanic eruption that eventually subsides. The decision made at this point refers to whether to continue the relationship, even though it has lost some of its initial passion, or to move on. It underscores the idea that love requires commitment and choice, even in the face of passion's temporary nature.
"We can't see across the water but we feel the echo of what might be on the other side."
This quote by Michael Ondaatje suggests that although we may not have direct knowledge or perception of something that lies beyond our current situation (symbolized by the "water"), we can still sense or intuitive the potential presence, experiences, or possibilities existing on the other side. It's a poignant reminder that life is full of mysteries and unknowns, but our emotions, instincts, and imagination help us to connect with, and anticipate, what could be waiting for us in the future.
"The act of writing is first an act of faith, and second, it creates its own truth."
This quote highlights the profound power and process of writing as both a leap of faith and a means to create new realities. Writing requires belief in oneself and one's vision before any tangible outcome is achieved; this initial step embodies "an act of faith." Furthermore, through the act of writing, original thoughts, ideas, and narratives come into being, essentially "creating its own truth." In essence, Ondaatje emphasizes that writing possesses the ability to shape both the writer's worldview and the collective understanding of reality.
If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.