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

Liked the quote? Share it with your friends.

Random Quotations

Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I

Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.

Louisa May Alcott

What's so wrong with feeling sorry for myself? Better that t

What's so wrong with feeling sorry for myself? Better that than trying to get other people to feel sorry for me.

Orson Scott Card

When I died last, and, Dear, I die as often as from thee I g

When I died last, and, Dear, I die as often as from thee I go though it be but an hour ago and lovers hours be full eternity.

The way to avoid responsibility is to say, I've got responsi

The way to avoid responsibility is to say, I've got responsibilities.

When art wins, everyone wins.

When art wins, everyone wins.

In cross examination, as in fishing, nothing is more ungainl

In cross examination, as in fishing, nothing is more ungainly than a fisherman pulled into the water by his catch.

Death is the cure for all diseases.

Death is the cure for all diseases.

Sir Thomas Browne

Only choose in marriage a man whom you would choose as a fri

Only choose in marriage a man whom you would choose as a friend if he were a woman.

Political writing in our time consists almost entirely of pr

Political writing in our time consists almost entirely of prefabricated phrases bolted together like the pieces of a child's Meccano set. It is the unavoidable result of self-censorship. To write in plain, vigorous language one has to think fearlessly, and if one thinks fearlessly one cannot be politically orthodox.

Politics Language Orwell Writing Orthodoxy

Dr. Johnson has said that the chief glory of a country arise

Dr. Johnson has said that the chief glory of a country arises from its authors. But then that is only as they are oracles of wisdom unless they teach virtue, they are more worthy of a halter than of the laurel.

I've already written 300 space poems. But I look upon my ult

I've already written 300 space poems. But I look upon my ultimate form as being a poetic prose. When you read it, it appears to be prose, but within the prose you have embedded the techniques of poetry.

Again, men in general desire the good, and not merely what t

Again, men in general desire the good, and not merely what their fathers had.