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A man who wants to mutilate himself is certainly damned, isn't he?
Arthur Rimbaud
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects on self-harm and the complex nature of human desire and suffering.

Arthur Rimbaud's quote provokes a deep contemplation about the human condition and the darker aspects of desire. It suggests that a person who harbors thoughts of self-mutilation is facing profound internal conflict and despair, leading to a sense of inevitable ruin or moral damnation. Rimbaud's framing of this desire as 'damned' underlines the severity and potential tragic consequences of such self-destructive behavior.

Themes

Self-HarmDespairHuman ConditionDesireInternal Conflict

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be shared in a mental health awareness seminar to discuss the nature of self-harm.

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