The idea of bringing someone into the world fills me with horror. I would curse myself if I were a father. A son of mine! Oh no, no, no! May my entire flesh perish and may I transmit to no one the aggravations and the disgrace of existence.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker expresses deep fear and regret about the possibility of having children, viewing existence as a burden.
- In plain terms
- He hates the idea of having kids because life is too hard.
- What can you take from it?
- Life brings suffering that some feel should not be passed on.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is existence inherently burdensome?
- Should we consider the welfare of future beings?
Another view
This view ignores the potential joys and meaning found in life and family.
More from Gustave Flaubert
An author in his book must be like God in the universe, present everywhere and visible nowhere.
Permalink to quote #4 You can calculate the worth of a man by the number of his enemies, and the importance of a work of art by the harm that is spoken of it.
Permalink to quote #6 One becomes a critic when one cannot be an artist, just as a man becomes a stool pigeon when he cannot be a soldier.
Permalink to quote #3
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