Meaning: This quote, attributed to the writer and artist Wyndham Lewis, encapsulates a sentiment that resonates with many individuals who have experienced a sense of displacement or dislocation in their lives. In this statement, Lewis expresses a feeling of belonging within the United States, not because it is inherently more captivating or significant than other countries, but because it serves as a gathering place for people who, like him, may feel like they don't truly belong anywhere. The notion of a "wholly excellent vacuum" suggests that the United States, in Lewis's view, offers a unique environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds coexist in a state of collective detachment from any single national or cultural identity.

Wyndham Lewis, a prominent figure in the modernist movement of the early 20th century, was known for his innovative literary and artistic contributions. Born in Canada in 1882, Lewis spent much of his life in Europe, particularly in England, where he was associated with the avant-garde movement and became a leading figure in the Vorticist art movement. However, his travels and experiences likely informed his perspective on the United States as a place where a sense of shared detachment and transience could be found.

The idea of feeling at home in a country due to a shared sense of displacement speaks to the universal human experience of seeking connections and a sense of belonging. While the United States has historically been a destination for individuals seeking new opportunities and a fresh start, it has also been a place where people from various cultural, ethnic, and social backgrounds have converged, often facing similar challenges of assimilation and adaptation. In this context, Lewis's words capture a feeling of kinship with others who, like him, have found themselves navigating the complexities of identity and belonging in a new and unfamiliar environment.

The concept of a "wholly excellent vacuum" can be interpreted as an acknowledgment of the United States as a place of freedom and possibility, where individuals are not bound by the constraints of traditional or rooted identities. This idea resonates with the American ethos of being a melting pot of cultures and a land of opportunity, where individuals can forge new paths and redefine themselves without the weight of historical expectations or conventions.

Furthermore, Lewis's statement raises questions about the nature of belonging and the significance of shared experiences in shaping one's sense of home. It invites consideration of how the feeling of belonging can transcend geographic or cultural boundaries and be rooted in a shared understanding of displacement and the search for connection. In this sense, the quote underscores the human desire for community and understanding, regardless of one's background or origin.

In conclusion, Wyndham Lewis's quote captures a profound insight into the nature of belonging and the human experience of displacement. It speaks to the idea that a sense of home can be found in unexpected places, where individuals come together in a shared experience of detachment and the pursuit of connection. Through his words, Lewis invites us to contemplate the universal longing for belonging and the ways in which individuals, regardless of their differences, can find common ground in the shared journey of seeking a place to call home.