Everyone rushes wherever his instincts impel him, the…
““Everyone rushes wherever his instincts impel him, the populace swarms like insects over a corpse, poets pass by without having the time to sculpt their thoughts, hardly have they scribbled their ideas down on sheets of paper than the sheets are blown away; everything glitters and everything resounds in this masquerade, beneath its ephemeral royalties and its cardboard scepters, gold flows, wine cascades, cold debauchery lifts her skirts and jigs around…horror! horror! and then there hangs over it all a veil that each one grabs part of to hide himself the best he can. Derision! Horror – horror!””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Society is driven by instinctual rush, superficial glitter, and hidden fears, masking true intentions.
In simple terms: People chase shallow thrills while hiding behind masks.
Key Takeaway
Beware of superficiality and hidden motives.
Themes
society
instinct
illusion
masking
Mood
cynical
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political analysis
- art criticism
- personal introspection
Key Concepts
masquerade
ephemerality
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- What masks do we wear daily?
- How does superficiality affect authenticity?
A Different Perspective
May overgeneralize human behavior.