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Retirement may be looked upon either as a prolonged holiday or as a rejection, a being thrown on to the scrap-heap.
Simone De Beauvoir
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Retirement can be seen positively as a chance to enjoy life or negatively as being discarded from society.

In this quote, Simone De Beauvoir presents a dual perspective on retirement. It can be interpreted as a period of relaxation and freedom, allowing individuals to pursue their interests and passions. Conversely, it can also be viewed as a phase of life where one feels rejected or obsolete, akin to being cast aside. This reflects the broader societal attitudes towards aging and the value placed on productivity.

Themes

RetirementHolidayRejectionLifeSociety

In practice

Example use cases

During a retirement party, one might reflect on how retiring can mean a new beginning.

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