Meaning: The quote "My response, a dubious and hesitant one, is that it has been and may continue to be, in the time that is left to me, more productive to live out the question than to try to answer it in abstract terms." is a profound statement made by J.M. Coetzee, a renowned South African author and Nobel laureate in Literature. This quote encapsulates a deep sense of introspection and contemplation on the nature of questioning and the pursuit of answers.

In this quote, Coetzee seems to be expressing a sense of uncertainty and reluctance in providing a definitive response to a certain question or issue. The use of the words "dubious and hesitant" conveys a sense of hesitancy and doubt in his own ability to provide a clear-cut answer. This suggests a humility and awareness of the limitations of his own understanding, despite his intellectual capabilities as an author and thinker.

Furthermore, Coetzee goes on to suggest that, given the finite nature of time and existence, it may be more worthwhile and "productive" to live out the question itself, rather than attempting to resolve it through abstract or theoretical means. This reflects a profound philosophical stance that emphasizes the experiential and existential aspects of grappling with life's uncertainties and complexities.

Coetzee's assertion that living out the question may be more productive than attempting to answer it in abstract terms raises important questions about the nature of knowledge, wisdom, and the pursuit of truth. It suggests a recognition of the limitations of abstract reasoning and a preference for experiential engagement with life's profound questions and dilemmas.

This quote also resonates with existentialist themes, particularly the idea of embracing life's uncertainties and paradoxes rather than seeking absolute certainty or closure. It echoes the existential notion that the process of questioning and grappling with life's mysteries is an essential part of the human experience, and that the pursuit of definitive answers may not always be the most meaningful or fruitful endeavor.

Coetzee's perspective in this quote may also be interpreted as a critique of dogmatic and rigid forms of thinking that prioritize definitive answers and absolute truths over the complexities and nuances of lived experience. By emphasizing the value of "living out the question," Coetzee seems to advocate for an open-minded and experiential approach to grappling with life's fundamental inquiries.

Overall, this quote from J.M. Coetzee encapsulates a profound sense of humility, introspection, and existential wisdom. It invites readers to ponder the nature of questioning, the pursuit of answers, and the value of experiential engagement with life's uncertainties. Coetzee's words remind us that the quest for understanding is often a complex and multifaceted journey, and that living out the questions may yield its own form of wisdom and insight.