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About this quote

What does it mean?
Being a useful man always seemed something hideous to me.
In plain terms
I found being useful to be ugly.
What can you take from it?
Reevaluate what usefulness means.

Where it applies

  • career planning
  • personal development
  • philosophical reflection

Putting it to work

  • define personal values
  • balance service and self‑care
  • seek authentic purpose

Questions to consider

  • Why might usefulness feel repulsive?
  • Can usefulness coexist with personal authenticity?

Another view

It may reject constructive contributions.

More from Charles Baudelaire

  1. La femme est naturelle, c'est-a-dire abominable.

    Permalink to quote #39

  2. Il faut travailler, sinon par gout, au moins par desespoir, puisque, tout bien verifie, travailler est moins ennuyeux que s'amuser.

    Permalink to quote #41

  3. Il serait peut-etre doux d'etre alternativement victime et bourreau.

    Permalink to quote #38

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