Meaning: Annie Dillard, an American author and essayist, is known for her profound and thought-provoking reflections on nature, spirituality, and the human experience. Her quote, "As a life's work, I would remember everything - everything, against loss. I would go through life like a plankton net," encapsulates her approach to living and the importance of paying attention to the details and intricacies of life.

In this quote, Dillard expresses a profound commitment to remembering and capturing every aspect of life in order to guard against loss. The imagery of going through life "like a plankton net" suggests a meticulous and thorough approach to experiencing and preserving the richness of existence. Just as a plankton net captures tiny organisms from the vastness of the ocean, Dillard's metaphor implies a deliberate and comprehensive effort to collect and hold onto the moments, emotions, and experiences that make up a life.

Dillard's emphasis on remembering "everything, against loss" speaks to a deep awareness of the transient and ephemeral nature of life. She recognizes the potential for moments, thoughts, and sensations to slip away if not consciously attended to and preserved. By aspiring to remember everything, Dillard embraces a mindset of mindfulness and attentiveness, seeking to imbue her life with a sense of fullness and richness that transcends the passage of time.

This quote also reflects Dillard's keen observation of the world around her, a characteristic that is evident in much of her writing. Through her work, she invites readers to join her in an exploration of the natural world and the human experience, encouraging them to pay attention to the often-overlooked details that can illuminate the beauty and complexity of existence. In "Pilgrim at Tinker Creek," one of her most celebrated works, Dillard delves into the intricacies of the natural world, drawing out profound insights from the seemingly mundane aspects of life.

Furthermore, Dillard's quote can be interpreted as a call to embrace the totality of one's experiences, both the joys and the sorrows. By committing to remember everything, she acknowledges the importance of honoring the full spectrum of human emotions and encounters. This approach aligns with Dillard's broader exploration of the interconnectedness of all aspects of existence and the ways in which they contribute to a deeper understanding of the world and ourselves.

Ultimately, Annie Dillard's quote encapsulates her profound reverence for the richness of life and her unwavering commitment to embracing and preserving every facet of the human experience. Through her evocative language and vivid imagery, she invites readers to join her in the endeavor of living with intention, mindfulness, and an unyielding dedication to capturing the essence of existence. In doing so, she imparts a timeless message about the significance of paying attention to the details and fully engaging with the world around us.