This quote by Ernest Hemingway, “The things of the night cannot be explained in the day, because they do not then exist,” alludes to the concept of context and the transient nature of human emotions, thoughts, and experiences. It suggests that certain experiences or feelings, symbolized here by “things of the night,” are unique to a particular time and situation, and cannot be fully understood or explained outside of that context, represented here by the “day.”
The “night” and “day” could also be seen as metaphors for different states of mind or phases in life. The ”night” could symbolize the darker, more confusing, or challenging times, while the “day” could represent clarity, normalcy, or happiness. In this sense, the quote suggests that the struggles and fears we face in our darkest times cannot be fully understood or explained in our happier, clearer moments, simply because they do not exist in the same way.
Applying this idea to today’s world, it could be a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding. Everyone experiences their own “nights” and “days,” and what may seem irrational or unfathomable in one state may be perfectly understandable in another. It’s a call to reserve judgement and to strive for empathy, as we can never fully understand someone else’s experiences or feelings from our own perspective.
In terms of personal development, this quote could be seen as an encouragement to embrace and acknowledge all facets of our experiences and emotions, even those that are difficult or uncomfortable. It suggests that our “night” experiences, while they may not exist or make sense in the “day,” are still valid and important parts of our journey. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to not have everything figured out all the time, and that our understanding and perception of things can change depending on our state of mind or situation.
