The world is full of people whose notion of a satisfactory future is, in fact, a return to an idealised past

The world is full of people whose notion of a satisfactory future is, in fact, a return to an idealised past

Robertson Davies, a renowned Canadian novelist, playwright, and critic, often explored the theme of nostalgia and the desire to return to an idealized past in his works. In many of his novels, Davies delves into the complexities of human nature and the ways in which individuals grapple with their pasts in order to shape their futures. The quote, “The world is full of people whose notion of a satisfactory future is, in fact, a return to an idealized past,” perfectly encapsulates the central theme that Davies often explores in his writing.

One of Davies’ most famous works, “The Deptford Trilogy,” follows the lives of three men who are interconnected by a tragic event from their past. Throughout the trilogy, Davies delves into the characters’ desires to return to a time before the event occurred, when their lives were simpler and more innocent. This longing for the past ultimately shapes the characters’ decisions and actions in the present, leading to a deeper exploration of the ways in which the past can influence the future.