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About this quote

What does it mean?
Everything is ruined—action, desire, dream, speech—reflecting a sense of universal decay.
In plain terms
All things are broken.
What can you take from it?
Recognize decay but seek meaning.

Where it applies

  • contemplating loss
  • artistic creation

Putting it to work

  • write poetry
  • reflect on impermanence

Questions to consider

  • What can survive decay?
  • How does ruin inspire creation?

Another view

The statement is overly pessimistic and may ignore resilience.

More from Charles Baudelaire

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  3. Hypocrite lecteur, - mon semblable, - mon frere!

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