... it would be lovely if he and his wife would succeed in…
![“... it would be lovely if he and his wife would succeed in dying before the matter of inherited property was finally settled. Then the person giving the speech at the funeral would be able to say that until the very end they had been able to pursue what they loved: sailing. [p. 121]” quote by Jenny Erpenbeck](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/2c1/jenny-erpenbeck-24088_communication_it-would-be-lovely-if-he-and-his-wife-wo_2479953.jpg)
““... it would be lovely if he and his wife would succeed in dying before the matter of inherited property was finally settled. Then the person giving the speech at the funeral would be able to say that until the very end they had been able to pursue what they loved: sailing. [p. 121]””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage reflects on the desire for a life of passion—like sailing—before death, highlighting how material concerns can dominate and delay personal fulfillment.
In simple terms: People often postpone true passions due to material worries.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize meaningful pursuits over material entanglements.
Themes
death
passion
materialism
legacy
fulfillment
Mood
melancholic
contemplative
Type
literary
existential
When to use this quote
- end‑of‑life planning
- career change
- family inheritance disputes
Key Concepts
existentialism
literature
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What passions have you delayed for practical reasons?
- How can you balance duty with desire?
A Different Perspective
Material concerns may be unavoidable and delay realization of passions.