When the body sinks into death, the essence of man is revealed. Man is a knot, a web, a mesh into which relationships are tied. Only those relationships matter. The body is an old crock that nobody will miss. I have never known a man to think of himself when dying. Never.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of relationships over physical existence.
Antoine De Saint-Exupery reflects on the nature of human existence by suggesting that when faced with death, it is the connections we have made with others that define us, rather than our physical bodies. He likens human life to a complex web of relationships, highlighting that in our final moments, we think not of ourselves but of those we have bonded with throughout our lives. Ultimately, he suggests that the body is merely a vessel, while our essence is found in the ties we create with others.
In practice
In a eulogy reflecting on a friend's life, this quote can highlight the value of the relationships built.
Grown-ups love figures... When you tell them you've made a new friend they never ask you any questions about essential matters. They never say to you "What does his voice sound like? What games does he love best? Does he collect butterflies? " Instead they demand "How old is he? How much does he weigh? How much money does his father make? " Only from these figures do they think they have learned anything about him.
Attitude is a paintbrush. It colors everything!
Water, thou hast no taste, no color, no odor; canst not be defined, art relished while ever mysterious. Not necessary to life, but rather life itself, thou fillest us with a gratification that exceeds the delight of the senses.
In those days, I didn't understand anything. I should have judged her according to her actions, not her words. She perfumed my planet and lit up my life. I should never have run away! I ought to have realized the tenderness underlying her silly pretensions. Flowers are so contadictory! But I was too young to know how to love her.
When a mystery is too overpowering, one dare not disobey.
Man is a knot into which relationships are tied.
Born with blue spectacles, you would think the world was blue and never be conscious of the existence of the distorting glass.
Events of October 1962 indicated, as they had all through history, that control of the sea means security. Control of the seas can mean peace. Control of the seas can mean victory. The United States must control the seas if it is to protect your security.
I would like you to teach [the orcs] civilised behaviour," said Ladyship coldly. He appeared to consider this. "Yes of course, I think that would be quite possible," he said. "And who would you send to teach the humans?
How wonderful it is to be an American. We have known the best of times and the worst of times.
Pakistan is not going to be a theocratic State - to be ruled by priests with a divine mission. We have many non-Muslims - Hindus, Christians, and Parsis - but they are all Pakistanis. They will enjoy the same rights and privileges as any other citizens and will play their rightful part in the affairs of Pakistan.
A finite world can support only a finite population; therefore, population growth must eventually equal zero.
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