I want peace; yes, I'd sell the whole world for a…
“I want peace; yes, I'd sell the whole world for a farthing, straight off, so long as I was left in peace. Is the world to go to pot, or am I to go without my tea? I say that the world may go to pot for me so long as I always get my tea. Did you know that, or not? Well, anyway, I know that I am a blackguard, a scoundrel, an egoist, a sluggard.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker humorously declares a willingness to sacrifice everything for peace, yet insists on preserving personal comforts, revealing selfish contradictions.
In simple terms: Will trade everything for peace, but not tea.
Key Takeaway
Balance peace with personal well‑being.
Themes
peace
selfishness
humor
contradiction
comfort
Mood
wry
contemplative
Type
satirical
personal
When to use this quote
- Negotiations
- personal relationships
- daily routines
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
Satire
personal values
ethical paradox
Questions to Reflect On
- What comforts are you unwilling to sacrifice?
- How does personal comfort affect your view of peace?
A Different Perspective
May ignore broader impacts of selfishness.