I asked her to look at me and after a few moments - (pause) - after a few moments she did, but the eyes just slits, because of the glare I bent over her to get them in the shadow and they opened. (Pause. Low) Let me in.
Samuel BeckettRead
Personally of course I regret everything. Not a word, not a deed, not a thought, not a need, not a grief, not a joy, not a girl, not a boy, not a doubt, not a trust, not a scorn, not a lust, not a hope, not a fear, not a smile, not a tear, not a name, not a face, no time, no place...that I do not regret, exceedingly. An ordure, from beginning to end.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses deep regret over every aspect of existence, reflecting on the complexity of life and the burden of memories.
In this quote, Samuel Beckett articulates a profound sense of regret that encompasses every element of his life, indicating an overwhelming feeling of disappointment and sorrow. Each word, action, thought, and emotion is encompassed in his regret, suggesting a bleak view of existence where every experience carries a weight of remorse, highlighting the struggles with both joy and pain in the human condition.
Themes
RegretExistenceLifeMemoriesSorrow
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be shared during a reflective discussion on the nature of regret and life choices.
More from Samuel Beckett
All quotes →Nothing happens. Nobody comes, nobody goes. It's awful.
Samuel BeckettRead
I shall state silences more competently than ever a better man spangled the butterflies of vertigo.
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And what I have, what I am, is enough, was always enough for me, and as far as my dear little sweet little future is concerned I have no qualms, I have a good time coming.
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I love order. It's my dream. A world where all would be silent and still, and each thing in its last place, under the last dust.
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We lose our hair, our teeth! Our bloom, our ideals.
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