And when the hourglass has run out, the hourglass of temporality, when the noise of secular life has grown silent and its restless or ineffectual activism has come to an end, when everything around you is still, as it is in eternity, then eternity asks you and every individual in these millions and millions about only one thing: whether you have lived in despair or not.
Despots prefer the friendship of the dog, who, unjustly mistreated and debased, still loves and serves the man who wronged him.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the loyalty of those who are mistreated, comparing it to the relationship between despots and their loyal dogs.
Charles Fourier reflects on the nature of loyalty and servitude in this quote, suggesting that those in power, like despots, often seek the companionship of those who, despite being treated poorly, remain devoted. This loyalty is portrayed as both a testament to the dogβs character and a critique of the power dynamics in human relationships, where loyalty can be exploited even in the face of injustice.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about loyalty and sacrifice, one might evoke this quote to illustrate how true commitment can endure despite suffering.
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