Jump off. You are a protected individual. Do not fear.
Henry MillerRead
I have never been able to look upon America as young and vital but rather as prematurely old, as a fruit which rotted before it had a chance to ripen.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects a critical view of America as lacking in maturity and depth.
Henry Miller's quote suggests that America, while appearing vibrant and full of potential, is actually lacking in the experience and wisdom that come with age. He compares the nation to a prematurely rotted fruit, implying that it has not had the opportunity to fully develop and flourish, which leads to a sense of disillusionment with its true vitality.
Themes
AmericaYouthMaturityPhilosophyDisillusionment
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about cultural identity and maturity in America.
More from Henry Miller
All quotes βI 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.
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The essential thing is to WANT to sing. This then is a song. I am singing.
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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?
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We are swimming on the face of time and all else has drowned, is drowning, or will drown.
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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.
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