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Tomorrow you may bring about the destruction of your world. Tomorrow you may sing in Paradise above the smoking ruins of your world-cities. But tonight I would like to think of one man, a lone individual, a man without name or country, a man whom I respect because he has absolutely nothing in common with you - MYSELF. Tonight I shall meditate upon that which I am.
Henry Miller
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote suggests the importance of self-reflection and individuality amidst the chaos of the world.

Henry Miller's quote emphasizes the significance of introspection and self-awareness, urging us to focus on our inner selves rather than the tumultuous external events that may unfold in the future. He presents a contrast between the potential devastation of the world and the quiet contemplation of one's own identity and existence, underscoring the value of understanding oneself as a solitary figure distinct from societal turmoil.

Themes

Self-ReflectionIdentityIndividualityExistenceIntrospection

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be used during a personal development seminar.

More from Henry Miller

Jump off. You are a protected individual. Do not fear.
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I 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.
Henry MillerRead
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.
Henry MillerRead

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