Pilgrim at Tinker Creek Life, Consciousness, and Existence Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

But wait, you say, there is no right and wrong in nature; right and wrong is a human concept. Precisely: we are moral creatures, then, in an amoral world. (10.58)

Non-human creatures might be brutal, but this doesn't give humans the right to be as well. With consciousness, comes responsibility.

Quote #8

I retreat—not inside myself, but outside myself, so that I am a tissue of senses. Whatever I see is plenty, abundance. I am the skin of water the wind plays over; I am petal, feather, stone. (11.58)

Here's a real-world example: riding a roller coaster. When you grit your teeth and hold your breath, the ride seems much scarier. When you relax and put your hands in the air, it becomes a lot more fun, and when it stops, you may even find you want to ride again.

Quote #9

I didn't know, I never have known, what spirit it is that descends into my lungs and flaps near my heart like an eagle rising. I named it full-of-wonder, highest good, voices. (12.49)

These could also be other names for God.