Quote by Leonard Cohen
What is most original in a man's nature is often that which is most desperate. Thus new systems are forced on the world by men who simply cannot bear the pain of living with what is. Creators care nothing for their systems except that they be unique. If Hitler had been born in Nazi Germany he wouldn't have been content to enjoy the atmosphere.
Summary
This quote suggests that the most unique and original aspects of a person's character are often driven by desperation. It implies that individuals who cannot tolerate the current state of affairs are the ones who create new systems and bring about change. It further asserts that these creators are primarily concerned with being different from the existing norms, rather than genuinely caring about the success or impact of their systems. The quote uses Hitler as a hypothetical example, stating that if he had been born in Nazi Germany, he wouldn't have been satisfied with the prevailing culture and would have sought to assert his own unique vision.
Topics
Despair
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