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About this quote

What does it mean?
People crave companionship and want to avoid conflict with others.
In plain terms
Men want friends and want others not to be angry at them.
What can you take from it?
Humans desire connection and peace.

Where it applies

  • social interaction
  • conflict resolution
  • self-reflection

Putting it to work

  • building community
  • managing anger

Questions to consider

  • What do you seek in others?
  • How do you handle anger?

Another view

It generalizes human desire too simply.

More from Kurt Vonnegut

  1. Freud said he didn't know what women wanted. I know what women want. They want a whole lot of people to talk to.

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  2. Ta ta and adios. Or, as Saint Peter said to me with a sly wink, when I told him I was on my last-round trip to Paradise: 'See you later, Alligator.'

    Permalink to quote #170
  3. I wish one and all long and happy lives, no matter what may become of them afterwards. Use sunscreen! Don't smoke cigarettes. Cigars, however, are good for you…

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