Jump off. You are a protected individual. Do not fear.
Henry MillerRead
Who wants to be a hundred? What's the point of it? A short life and a merry one is far better than a long one sustained by fear, caution, and perpetual medical surveillance.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A fulfilling life embraced with joy is preferable to a long life lived in fear and anxiety.
Henry Miller's quote emphasizes the value of living a joyful and meaningful life rather than extending one's lifespan through a life filled with caution and fear. He argues that quality of life—rich with experiences and happiness—holds more importance than merely achieving a longer life that is fraught with worry and excessive medical oversight.
Themes
LifeHappinessFearJoyQualityExperience
In practice
Example use cases
In a graduation speech, one might emphasize the importance of living boldly and joyfully rather than being overly cautious.
More from Henry Miller
All quotes →I saw through to the last sign and symbol, but I could not read her face. I could see only the eyes shining through, huge, fleshy-like luminous beasts, as though I were swimming behind them in the electric effluvia of her incandescent vision.
Henry MillerRead
The essential thing is to WANT to sing. This then is a song. I am singing.
Henry MillerRead
Great God! What have I turned into? What right have you people to clutter up my life, steal my time, probe my soul, suckle my thoughts, have me for your companion, confidant, and information bureau? What do you take me for? Am I an entertainer on salary, required every evening to play an intellectual farce under your stupid noses? Am I a slave, bought and paid for, to crawl on my belly in front of you idlers and lay at your feet all that I do and all that I know?
Henry MillerRead
We are swimming on the face of time and all else has drowned, is drowning, or will drown.
Henry MillerRead
To sing you must first open your mouth. You must have a pair of lungs, and a little knowledge of music. It is not necessary to have an accordion, or a guitar. The essential thing is to want to sing. This then is a song. I am singing.
Henry MillerRead
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All men have a sweetness in their life. That is what helps them go on. It is towards that they turn when they feel too worn out.
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But I now entered on my fifteenth year - a sad epoch in the life of a slave girl. My master began to whisper foul words in my ear. Young as I was, I could not remain ignorant of their import
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