but sitting down with so many fellow-animals to ward off…
““but sitting down with so many fellow-animals to ward off thirst and hunger as a business; to empty, each creature, his Yahoo’s trough as quickly as he can, and then slink sullenly away; to have these social sacraments stripped of everything but the mere greedy satisfaction of the natural cravings; goes so against the grain with me, that I seriously believe the recollection of these funeral feasts will be a waking nightmare to me all my life.””
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 decries the mechanistic, selfish nature of social gatherings that reduce human interaction to mere fulfillment of basic needs, seeing them as hollow and distressing.
In simple terms: Social events feel empty when reduced to basic needs.
Key Takeaway
Seek deeper connections beyond mere necessity.
Themes
materialism
social critique
alienation
humanity
Mood
disillusioned
reflective
Type
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business meetings
- family dinners
- networking events
- communal rituals
Key Concepts
Existentialism
consumerism
ritual
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we transform routine gatherings into meaningful experiences?
- What values can we prioritize over mere satisfaction?
A Different Perspective
Such gatherings can still provide genuine connection if approached mindfully.