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As of today, I rebel against death! Work seems frivolous…

“As of today, I rebel against death! Work seems frivolous; I'm a proud man, and a lifetime's work would be too brief an agony for me. At the last moment, I'd attack...to the right...to the left...And then—oh!—sweet old soul of mine, eternity would not have been wasted on us!” quote by Arthur Rimbaud
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““As of today, I rebel against death! Work seems frivolous; I'm a proud man, and a lifetime's work would be too brief an agony for me. At the last moment, I'd attack...to the right...to the left...And then—oh!—sweet old soul of mine, eternity would not have been wasted on us!””

Arthur Rimbaud

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 rejects death and mundane work, seeking an intense, eternal experience that feels both rebellious and fleeting.

In simple terms: Rejects death, seeks eternal intensity.

Key Takeaway

Embrace life’s fleeting intensity.

Themes

rebellion existentialism mortality poetry

Mood

dramatic intense

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • artistic creation
  • personal crisis
  • philosophical reflection
  • late‑night musings

Key Concepts

nihilism transcendence

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does “eternity” mean to you?
  • How do you balance rebellion with daily duties?
A Different Perspective

The yearning may ignore practical responsibilities.

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