How strange to have failed as a social creature—even criminals do not fail that way—they are the law's "Loyal Opposition," so to speak. But the insane are always mere guests on earth, eternal strangers carrying around broken decalogues that they cannot read.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the isolation and disconnect of those deemed insane, contrasting their existence with that of criminals who are recognized members of society.
In this quote, F. Scott Fitzgerald explores the tragic condition of individuals labeled as insane, highlighting their profound alienation from social norms and human experiences. Unlike criminals, who maintain a role in the societal structure as the 'Loyal Opposition,' the insane live as perpetual outsiders, misunderstood and unable to comprehend the moral codes that govern society. Their existence is likened to that of 'eternal strangers,' suggesting a deep sense of loss and the inability to connect with the world around them.
In practice
This quote can be used in a discussion on mental health awareness to highlight societal attitudes toward the mentally ill.
Don't be so anxious about it,' she laughed. 'I'm not used to being loved. I wouldn't know what to do; I never got the trick of it.' She looked down at him, shy and fatigued. 'So here we are. I told you years ago that I had the makings of Cinderella.' He took her hand; she drew it back instinctively and then replaced it in his. 'Beg your pardon. Not even used to being touched. But I'm not afraid of you, if you stay quiet and don't move suddenly.
The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.
It was about then [1920] that I wrote a line which certain people will not let me forget: "She was a faded but still lovely woman of twenty-seven."
The words seemed to bite physically into Gatsby.
But you can love more than just one person, can't you?
A sudden gust of rain blew over them and then another - as if small liquid clouds were bouncing along the land. Lightning entered the sea far off and the air blew full of crackling thunder. The table cloths blew around the pillars. They blew and blew and blew. The flags twisted around the red chairs like live things, the banners were ragged, the corners of the table tore off through the burbling billowing ends of the cloths.
I am opposed to looking upon logic as a kind of game. ... One might think that it is a matter of choice or convention which logic one adopts. I disagree with this view.
Handle even a single leaf of green in such a way that it manifests the body of the Buddha. This in turn allows the Buddha to manifest through the leaf.
History gives you insight of the same quality of truth as poetry or philosophy or a novel.
Only the dead have seen the end of war.
God is not an encyclopedia whose task is to satisfy our curiosity.
Laws: We know what they are, and what they are worth! They are spider webs for the rich and mighty, steel chains for the poor and weak, fishing nets in the hands of government.
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