Helen Garner: 'The rain began again. It fell heavily, easily, with no meaning or intention but the fulfilment of its own nature, which was to fall and fall.'

The rain began again. It fell heavily, easily, with no meaning or intention but the fulfilment of its own nature, which was to fall and fall.

"The rain began again. It fell heavily, easily, with no meaning or intention but the fulfilment of its own nature, which was to fall and fall." - Helen GarnerAt first glance, this quote seems simple and straightforward, describing the rain falling effortlessly and continuously. The rain becomes a metaphor for life, one that carries no inherent meaning or purpose but simply exists to fulfill its own nature. It highlights the notion that not everything needs to have a grand purpose or intention; sometimes, things merely exist because that is their true nature.However, let us delve deeper into a philosophical concept that adds an unexpected twist to the interpretation of this quote. Nietzsche's concept of the "will to power" suggests that all beings have an inherent drive to assert their own power and express their true nature. Applying this concept to Garner's quote, we can view the rain not as an entity devoid of intention, but rather as an embodiment of its own will to power. The rain showcases its power by falling with unstoppable force, embracing its nature unapologetically.By comparing these interpretations, we can see a stark contrast between the rain's apparent lack of intention and its inherent will to power. It raises intriguing questions about the nature of life and existence. Are we, like the rain, simply fulfilling our true nature without any conscious intent? Or, do we possess a will to power, a driving force pushing us towards self-assertion and expression?Considering the rain's lack of meaning or intention in its fall also forces us to reflect on whether this lack of purpose is inherently negative or neutral. In our human-centric perspective, we often assign value to actions and events based on their perceived significance or meaning. However, this quote challenges us to question whether everything needs to serve a grand purpose or intention to be valuable. Perhaps, like the rain, the act of embracing our true nature and following our instincts without burdening ourselves with intentions or meanings can be a source of freedom and fulfillment.This quote invites us to step back and contemplate the way we navigate life in a world often driven by purpose and intention. It challenges us to consider the power and beauty that resides in embracing our innate nature and acting without the pressure to conform to societal expectations or pursue external goals. In the rain's continuous fall, we may find inspiration to simply be present in our own existence, to embrace the inherent power within us and to allow it to flow effortlessly.In conclusion, Helen Garner's quote about the rain falling with no meaning or intention but the fulfillment of its own nature captures the essence of life's simplicity and unyielding force. By introducing Nietzsche's concept of the "will to power," we open up a philosophical discussion about the true nature of existence. This unexpected twist allows us to contemplate the balance between intention and instinct, purpose and meaninglessness. Ultimately, this quote encourages us to find beauty in embracing our true nature, just like the rain, and to recognize the power that arises from living authentically.