To his dog, every man is Napoleon; hence the constant popularity of dogs.
Aldous HuxleyRead
Most men and women lead lives at the worst so painful, at the best so monotonous, poor and limited that the urge to escape, the longing to transcend themselves if only for a few moments, is and has always been one of the principal appetites of the soul.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the deep yearning of individuals to rise above their mundane existence and find moments of transcendence.
Aldous Huxley's quote explores the struggle of many individuals who face painful and monotonous lives. He suggests that this common experience gives rise to a profound longing to escape their reality and seek something greater, highlighting a fundamental aspect of the human soul's desire for transcendence and fulfillment beyond the limitations of everyday existence.
Themes
EscapeTranscendencePainMonotonySoul
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a motivational speech to inspire people to seek deeper meaning in their lives.
More from Aldous Huxley
All quotes →Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.
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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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On no account brood over your wrongdoing. Rolling in the muck is not the best way of getting clean.
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No man ever dared to manifest his boredom so insolently as does a Siamese tomcat when he yawns in the face of his amorously importunate wife.
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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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