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I am neither virgin nor priest enough to play with the inner life.
Jean-Paul Sartre
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote suggests a nuanced understanding of the complexities of inner life and identity.

In this quote, Jean-Paul Sartre expresses the idea that one is not purely innocent ('virgin') nor entirely detached or authoritative ('priest') when it comes to exploring and engaging with the depths of one's inner life. He implies that navigating the complexities of our thoughts, feelings, and existential condition requires a balance of experiences and perspectives, rather than a simplistic or dogmatic approach.

Themes

ExistenceIdentitySelf-ReflectionPhilosophySartre

In practice

Example use cases

In a philosophical debate about existentialism and the nature of self.

More from Jean-Paul Sartre

If a victory is told in detail, one can no longer distinguish it from a defeat.
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A kiss without a moustache, they said then, is like an egg without salt; I will add to it: and it is like Good without Evil.
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I wanted pure love: foolishness; to love one another is to hate a common enemy: I will thus espouse your hatred. I wanted Good: nonsense; on this earth and in these times, Good and Bad are inseparable: I accept to be evil in order to become good.
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Night is falling: at dusk, you must have good eyesight to be able to tell the Good Lord from the Devil.
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