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I have known many gods. He who denies them is as blind as he who trusts them too deeply. I seek not beyond death. It may be the blackness averred by the Nemedian skeptics, or Crom's realm of ice and cloud, or the snowy plains and vaulted halls of the Nordheimer's Valhalla. I know not, nor do I care. Let me live deep while I live; let me know the rich juices of red meat and stinging wine on my palate, the hot embrace of white arms, the mad exultation of battle when the blue blades flame and crimson, and I am content. Let teachers and priests and philosophers brood over questions of reality and illusion. I know this: if life is illusion, then I am no less an illusion, and being thus, the illusion is real to me. I live, I burn with life, I love, I slay, and am content.

Robert E. Howard#6

BattleExistentialLifePleasureSkepticismWarrior

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker embraces a worldly, sensory life, dismissing metaphysical speculation and finding contentment in battle, food, and love.
In plain terms
He values living fully now over pondering gods or afterlife.
What can you take from it?
Focus on present experiences rather than abstract doctrines.

Where it applies

  • warrior life
  • feasting
  • philosophical debate

Putting it to work

  • enjoy sensory pleasures
  • embrace combat as purpose

Questions to consider

  • What does it mean to live a good life?
  • Can pleasure replace purpose?

Another view

It ignores deeper ethical considerations beyond personal gratification.

More from Robert E. Howard

  1. [The] chief [of the gods of Cimmeria] is Crom. He dwells on a great mountain. What use to call on him? Little he cares if men live or die. Better to be silent …

    Permalink to quote #5
  2. Barbarism is the natural state of mankind. Civilization is unnatural. It is a whim of circumstance. And barbarism must always ultimately triumph.

    Permalink to quote #7
  3. Did you deem yourself strong, because you were able to twist the heads off civilized folk, poor weaklings with muscles like rotten string? Hell! Break the neck…

    Permalink to quote #4

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