The only thing in the world worth a damn is the strange, touching, pathetic, awesome nobility of the individual human spirit.
John D. MacdonaldRead
At times it seems as if arranging to have no commitment of any kind to anyone would be a special freedom. But in fact the whole idea works in reverse. The most deadly commitment of all is to be committed only to one's self. Some come to realize this after they are in the nursing home.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Self-centeredness often leads to a hollow existence, revealing the importance of meaningful commitments to others.
The quote by John D. Macdonald suggests that while the notion of being free from all commitments may appear liberating, it ultimately creates a deeper isolation. True fulfillment comes from engaging with and committing to others, as living solely for oneself can lead to regret and loneliness, a realization that some only face later in life.
Themes
CommitmentFreedomSelfRelationshipsIsolation
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the value of community during a conference on relationships.
More from John D. Macdonald
All quotes →Integrity is not a conditional word. It doesn't blow in the wind or change with the weather.
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