Total

Famous quotes containing the word total:

    “It seems certain, that though a man, in a flush of humour, after intense reflection on the many contradictions and imperfections of human reason, may entirely renounce all belief and opinion, it is impossible for him to persevere in this total scepticism, or make it appear in his conduct for a few hours.”
    —David Hume (1711–1776)

    “... geometry became a symbol for human relations, except that it was better, because in geometry things never go bad. If certain things occur, if certain lines meet, an angle is born. You cannot fail. It’s not going to fail; it is eternal. I found in rules of mathematics a peace and a trust that I could not place in human beings. This sublimation was total and remained total. Thus, I’m able to avoid or manipulate or process pain.”
    —Louise Bourgeois (b. 1911)

    “I only know that a rook
    Ordering its black feathers can so shine
    As to seize me senses, haul
    My eyelids up, and grant

    A brief respite from fear
    Of total neutrality.”
    —Sylvia Plath (1932–1963)