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Now, a corpse, poor thing, is an untouchable and the process of decay is, of all pieces of bad manners, the vulgarest imaginable. For a corpse is, by definition, a person absolutely devoid of savoir vivre.
Aldous Huxley
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects on the lack of social grace in death compared to life, emphasizing the decay of a body and the absence of culture in death.

Aldous Huxley's quote suggests that a corpse, being lifeless, is devoid of the social etiquette and grace that defines a person during their life. The decay of a body serves as a stark reminder of mortality, highlighting how the absence of 'savoir vivre' or the knowledge of living well is most evident when one can no longer participate in the social world.

Themes

DeathDecaySavoir VivreEtiquetteMortality

In practice

Example use cases

In a philosophical discussion about the nature of life and death, this quote could illustrate the contrast between living well and the social implications of death.

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To his dog, every man is Napoleon; hence the constant popularity of dogs.
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In the course of history many more people have died for their drink and their dope than have died for their religion or their country.
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The leech's kiss, the squid's embrace, The prurient ape's defiling touch: And do you like the human race? No, not much.
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