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there was something about that city, though it didn't let me feel guilty that I had no feeling for the things so many others needed. it let me alone.
Charles Bukowski
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote expresses a sense of detachment from societal expectations and a personal acceptance of one's indifference.

In this quote, Charles Bukowski reflects on the complexity of emotions and relationships within an urban environment. The city, in its indifference, provides a sense of freedom by allowing him to acknowledge his lack of emotional connection to what others find vital, thereby letting him exist without guilt or pressure to conform to societal norms.

Themes

CityIndifferenceFreedomEmotionDetachment

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about urban life and sensory experience.

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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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