Jillian Webster > Quotes

“This leaf is life,” he says very seriously. “It is the one and only link between the earth and the sun; every second it is taking light and creating the nutrients our bodies need to survive. It takes toxins from the air to give us clean oxygen to breathe. It supplies us with medicine to heal our bodies. Even when humans numbered in the tens of billions, this leaf—our plant life—made up over ninety-nine percent of the earth’s living creatures. All of life depends on them. They were here long before us and they will be here long after we’re gone.”
― Jillian Webster, The Weight of a Thousand Oceans

“The basic elements that make up this tree, the ant below you, the beating heart within you, were created in a star above you, billions of years ago.” He pauses, then turns to look at her. “Maia, everything that lives will one day fall into the earth and become one with it. We are all one. Never forget that.”
― Jillian Webster, The Weight of a Thousand Oceans

“Darling, you are a beautiful thing born from this disaster. Life is still here. If there is one thing we all have in common, from the smallest, most insignificant creature to the largest, it would be that nothing wants to die.”
― Jillian Webster, The Weight of a Thousand Oceans

“You haven’t experienced much adversity in your twenty years on this earth, but you will. This is a fact of which no one human is exempt. Throughout your life, you may hear or meet people who are capable of doing terrible things.” He leans forward and she meets him, grabbing his fragile hands once more. “You, my darling, may do terrible things. Every human has the potential to do great things—earth-shattering things—both good and evil. Don’t let this harden you. Don’t ever commit the crime of believing one person cannot make a difference. Every change has stemmed from a single thought, a single action, a single person. One person can change the world.”
― Jillian Webster, The Weight of a Thousand Oceans

“Maia, this earth is alive in much the same way we are alive. From the smallest insect to the largest tree, this earth and everything on it is living consciousness—life striving to thrive. This tree can see, sleep, smell, taste, touch, and hear. Not in the same way we can, but don’t you ever discredit something living because it is different from you. From our atmosphere to our oceans, our dividing cells to our beating hearts … life is so brilliant in such a quiet way that we often take it for granted.”
― Jillian Webster, The Weight of a Thousand Oceans

“There is no greater travesty in this world than for a soul to waste his or her life merely existing. This one life we have is not to be taken lightly. It is a gift and a privilege now denied to billions. So, you are going to choose life, Maia. Whether you stay on this island, go to the next, or sail across the world, you are going to find the life written in the stars for you. I know this. You’ll find a way. As a recipient of this life, it is not only your responsibility—it is your duty. You are a child of the universe. Your heart was created from galaxies of stardust billions of years old. In your genes, you carry the souls of generations passed—you carry the soul of the world. Never forget what I’ve told you, Maia. You are not alone. Every step you take, you take while holding the hand of God. Go. Now. Be diligent. Be sound in mind and steadfast. Formulate a plan and if that plan fails, try again. The path you must take will make itself known to you. The law of the universe has always been, if there is a will, there is a way. Just don’t give up. Finish the plans we have made. Find a way. You have universal backing. Make your mother proud. Above all else, make yourself proud. I will be with you every step of the way.”
― Jillian Webster, The Weight of a Thousand Oceans