...a condemned man who, at the hour of death, says or…
“...a condemned man who, at the hour of death, says or thinks that if the alternative were offered him of existing somewhere, on a height of rock or some narrow elevation, where only his two feet could stand, and round about him the ocean, perpetual gloom, perpetual solitude, perpetual storm, to remain there standing on a yard of surface for a lifetime, a thousand years, eternity! - rather would he live thus than die at once? Only live, live, live! - no matter how, only live!”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A condemned man prefers an endless, isolated existence over death, emphasizing a desperate will to live no matter the conditions.
In simple terms: Choosing endless solitude over death.
Key Takeaway
Value life, even in harshest forms.
Themes
existentialism
will to live
loneliness
desperation
Mood
thoughtful
philosophical
Type
existential
survival
When to use this quote
- prison confinement
- remote isolation
- extreme survival scenarios
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
survival instinct
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “live” mean to you?
- Would you choose isolation over death?
A Different Perspective
Endless isolation can be psychologically damaging.