...the monstrous thing is not that men have created roses…
““...the monstrous thing is not that men have created roses out of this dung heap, but that, for some reason or other, they should want roses. For some reason or other man looks for the miracle, and to accomplish it he will wade through blood. He will debauch himself with ideas, he will reduce himself to a shadow if for only one second of his life he can close his eyes to the hideousness of reality. Everything is endured- disgrace, humiliation, poverty, war, crime, ennui- in the belief that overnight something will occur, a miracle, which will render life tolerable. And all the while a meter is running inside and there is no hand that can reach in there and shut it off.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People seek miracles to escape suffering, but the pursuit often leads to self‑destruction and endless yearning.
In simple terms: We chase miracles to avoid pain, but it can harm us.
Key Takeaway
Seek meaning without chasing false miracles.
Themes
suffering
miracle
illusion
human condition
despair
Mood
melancholic
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- war zones
- poverty
- personal crisis
- artistic creation
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
spiritual yearning
Questions to Reflect On
- What miracle are you chasing?
- Can you find meaning in the present?
A Different Perspective
Miracles may be illusory and distract from real change.