"A safe but sometimes chilly way of recalling the past is to force open a crammed drawer. If you are searching for anything in particular you don't find it, but something falls out at the back that is often more interesting"
- James M. Barrie
About this Quote
This quote by James M. Barrie speaks to the idea of reviewing the past. He recommends that a safe but sometimes chilly method of doing this is to open a packed drawer. This is a metaphor for rummaging through memories and experiences. Even if you are searching for something particular, you may not find it, but something else might fall out at the back that is more interesting. This might be analyzed as a reminder that in some cases the most unforeseen and interesting things originate from reflecting on the past. It also recommends that the past can be a source of unanticipated surprises and discoveries. Ultimately, this quote motivates us to look back on our past experiences and memories, even if it can be a bit uneasy.
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