Meaning: This quote by Ella Maillart encapsulates a profound reflection on the nature of existence and the human quest for understanding the universe. The imagery of "the 10 million things of the universe" conveys the vastness and complexity of the world around us, suggesting that comprehending all its intricacies simultaneously is an impossible feat. The idea of being "the all" implies a desire for complete knowledge and understanding, a yearning to encompass the entirety of existence within one's consciousness.

Ella Maillart, a Swiss adventurer, travel writer, and photographer, was known for her explorations of remote and challenging regions, particularly in Central Asia. Her experiences and encounters with diverse cultures and landscapes shaped her philosophical outlook, and her writings often reflected her deep contemplation of the human condition and the mysteries of life. In this quote, Maillart seems to be expressing her belief that the very essence of living is tied to the pursuit of knowledge and understanding, and that this journey is inherently linked to the exploration of the unknown and the boundaries of the world.

The notion of "travelling towards the world's end" evokes a sense of both physical and metaphysical exploration. On a literal level, it could refer to Maillart's own extensive travels to far-flung corners of the globe, where she sought to push the boundaries of human experience and understanding. Metaphorically, it speaks to the human inclination to constantly seek out new frontiers, whether they be geographical, intellectual, or spiritual. The idea of "the world's end" suggests a quest for ultimate knowledge or enlightenment, a relentless pursuit of truth and understanding that propels individuals towards the outer limits of their known reality.

Maillart's perspective resonates with the existentialist notion that the human experience is defined by a fundamental tension between the desire for unity and completeness, and the inherent limitations of human perception and understanding. The concept of "the 10 million things of the universe" can be interpreted as a metaphor for the infinite complexity and diversity of existence, encompassing all the phenomena, objects, and experiences that comprise the fabric of reality. The idea that seeing all these things simultaneously is necessary to "be the all" reflects a longing for a comprehensive and unified understanding of the world, a desire to transcend the fragmented nature of human perception and consciousness.

At the same time, Maillart seems to acknowledge the impossibility of achieving such a comprehensive understanding. The rhetorical question "Shall we ever see...?" implies a recognition of the inherent limitations of human perception and cognition. The word "ever" suggests a sense of longing and doubt, hinting at the perennial human quest for knowledge and understanding that may forever elude complete fulfillment. In this sense, the quote captures the paradoxical nature of the human condition, with its simultaneous yearning for transcendence and its acceptance of inherent limitations.

In conclusion, Ella Maillart's quote encapsulates a deep and introspective reflection on the nature of human existence and the quest for understanding. Through her evocative language and philosophical inquiry, she invites us to contemplate the vastness and complexity of the universe, the limitations of human perception, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge and understanding that defines the human experience. Maillart's words resonate with a sense of longing, wonder, and humility, encapsulating the enduring human quest to comprehend the unfathomable mysteries of existence.