Analysis
The statement is a verbatim excerpt from the novel, found in the chapter titled *The Question of Sex* (often mislabeled as Chapter 11 in some editions, though it appears earlier in others). The line reflects the book’s central themes of process over destination, a recurring motif in Le Guin’s work. No credible sources dispute its origin or phrasing, and it is widely cited in analyses of the text (e.g., academic papers, literary databases).
Background
Published in 1969, *The Left Hand of Darkness* is a foundational science fiction novel exploring gender, politics, and cultural relativity on the planet Gethen. The quoted line encapsulates the Gethenian philosophy of *shifgrethor* (indirect, process-oriented thinking) and aligns with Le Guin’s Taoist influences. The novel won both the Hugo and Nebula Awards, cementing its status in speculative fiction canon.
Verdict summary
The quoted line accurately appears in Ursula K. Le Guin’s *The Left Hand of Darkness* (1969), attributed to the character Faxe the Weaver in Chapter 11.