Quote by Voltaire

I have been a hundred times on the point of killing myself, but still was fond of life. This ridiculous weakness is perhaps one of our worst instincts. What can be more absurd than choosing to carry a burden that one really wants to throw to the ground? To detest, and yet to strive to preserve our existence? To caress the serpent that devours us, and hug him close to our bosoms till he has gnawed into our hearts?

I have been a hundred times on the point of killing myself,

Summary

This quote expresses the paradoxical nature of human existence and the irrationality of our attachment to life. Despite contemplating suicide multiple times, the speaker acknowledges their fondness for life, deeming it a ridiculous weakness. It questions why anyone would willingly bear the burden of life that they desire to relinquish. The quote highlights the absurdity of hating our existence but still striving to preserve it, analogous to caressing a serpent that ultimately consumes us. It portrays the conflicting emotions and actions that can arise within individuals, shedding light on the complexities and contradictions of human nature.

Topics

Suicide Perseverence

By Voltaire

Liked the quote? Share it with your friends.

Random Quotations

If you look closely you'll find all my lovers inscribed on m

If you look closely you'll find all my lovers inscribed on my skin.

Love Lovers

Character is the result of a system of stereotyped principal

Character is the result of a system of stereotyped principals.

Character

I'd never had money growing up, and it's never been that imp

I'd never had money growing up, and it's never been that important to me, except maybe to take our kids on a nice vacation or something like that.

Money

Political correctness? In my humor, I never talk about polit

Political correctness? In my humor, I never talk about politics. I was never much into all that.

Humor

For some years I deserted religion in favour of Marxism. The

For some years I deserted religion in favour of Marxism. The republic of goodness seemed more attainable than the Kingdom of God.

Religion

You're not really necessarily the coolest guy in their life.

You're not really necessarily the coolest guy in their life. You are a conduit to the really cool people.

Cool

What kind of society isn't structured on greed? The problem

What kind of society isn't structured on greed? The problem of social organization is how to set up an arrangement under which greed will do the least harm; capitalism is that kind of a system.

Milton Friedman

Capitalism

Remember, always give your best. Never get discouraged. Neve

Remember, always give your best. Never get discouraged. Never be petty. Always remember, others may hate you. But those who hate you don't win unless you hate them. And then you destroy yourself.

Richard M. Nixon

Best

A brave endeavor To do thy duty, whate'er its worth, Is bett

A brave endeavor To do thy duty, whate'er its worth, Is better than life with love forever And love is the sweetest thing on earth.

James Jeffrey Roche

Life Love Duty Worth

A man likes his wife to be just clever enough to appreciate

A man likes his wife to be just clever enough to appreciate his cleverness, and just stupid enough to admire it.

Israel Zangwill

Intelligence

I used to wear a lot of red lipstick, and when I got a pimpl

I used to wear a lot of red lipstick, and when I got a pimple, I'd cover it up with eyeliner to turn it into a beauty mark.

Beauty

Speak ill of no man, but speak all the good you know of ever

Speak ill of no man, but speak all the good you know of everybody.

Benjamin Franklin

Good