I can never drive my car over a bridge without thinking of suicide. I can never look at a lake or an ocean without thinking of suicide.
Charles BukowskiRead
The problem was you had to keep choosing between one evil or another, and no matter what you chose, they sliced a little more off you, until there was nothing left. At the age of 25 most people were finished. A whole goddamned nation of assholes driving automobiles, eating, having babies, doing everything in the worst way possible, like voting for the presidential candidate who reminded them most of themselves.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the struggle of making choices in a flawed society, illustrating the human condition of feeling diminished by negative experiences.
Charles Bukowski's quote delves into the existential dilemmas faced by individuals in a society where every choice seems to lead to degradation or loss. It captures a sense of disillusionment with the world, where people are forced to choose between flawed options, ultimately leading to a sense of emptiness and frustration. The mention of a 'nation of assholes' emphasizes a collective societal failure, suggesting that common behaviors and decisions contribute to this pervasive malaise, leaving individuals feeling as though they have been ground down to nothing by their circumstances.
Themes
ChoicesSocietyDisillusionmentHuman ConditionExistentialism
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about societal pressures and the impact of conformity on personal choices.
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I lapsed into my pathetic cut-off period. Often with humans, both good and bad, my senses simply shut off, they get tired, I give up. I am polite. I nod. I pretend to understand because I don’t want anybody to be hurt. That is the one weakness that has lead me into the most trouble. Trying to be kind to others I often get my soul shredded into a kind of spiritual pasta. No matter. My brain shuts off. I listen. I respond. And they are too dumb to know that I am not there.
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