(Just to give you an idea, Proust's reply was 'To be separated from Mama.') I think that the lowest depth of misery ought to be distinguished from the highest pitch of anguish. In the lower depths come enforced idleness, sexual boredom, and/or impotence. At the highest pitch, the death of a friend or even the fear of the death of a child.

Summary

This quote suggests that there are varying levels of human misery and anguish. The lowest depth of misery is characterized by forced inactivity, sexual dissatisfaction, or inability, highlighting the significance of personal fulfillment and vitality. On the other hand, the highest pitch of anguish refers to profound emotional pain, such as the loss of a loved one or the fear of losing a child, indicating the intensity of these experiences. The quote implies that while different types of discomfort and distress exist, the utmost agony is typically associated with profound emotional or relational hardships.

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