I'd rather have two good friends, than 500,000 admirers.
E. E. CummingsRead
it's no use trying to pretend that mostpeople and ourselves are alike. Mostpeople have less in common with ourselves than thesquarerootofminusone. You and I are human beings; mostpeople are snobs.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the disconnect between individuals and the collective societal norms, emphasizing human uniqueness.
E. E. Cummings expresses a profound observation on the nature of human relationships and individuality. He suggests that there is a significant difference between ourselves and the majority of people, who he refers to as 'mostpeople.' The phrase 'thesquarerootofminusone' symbolizes the absurdity and the unconventional nature of true connection and individuality, implying that genuine human beings are rare in a world filled with superficiality and snobbery.
Themes
IndividualityHumanitySocietySuperficialityConnection
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about self-acceptance, you might use this quote to illustrate the unique nature of individuals.
More from E. E. Cummings
All quotes βI'd rather learn from one bird how to sing than to teach ten thousand stars how not to dance.
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It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.
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When god decided to invent everything he took one reath bigger than a circustent and everything began
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The Artist is no other than he who unlearns what he has learned, in order to know himself.
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Nobody else can be alive for you; nor can you be alive for anybody else.
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