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Doesn't everyone sell his soul? I tell you, sir: the devil…

“Doesn't everyone sell his soul? I tell you, sir: the devil does not exist, there is no devil, yet I sold him my soul. That is what I am afraid of. To whom did I sell it? That is what I am afraid of, my dear sir: we sell our souls, only there is no buyer.” quote by João Guimarães Rosa
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““Doesn't everyone sell his soul? I tell you, sir: the devil does not exist, there is no devil, yet I sold him my soul. That is what I am afraid of. To whom did I sell it? That is what I am afraid of, my dear sir: we sell our souls, only there is no buyer.””

João Guimarães Rosa

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 fears having unknowingly traded his soul to a non‑existent devil, highlighting existential anxiety about loss of self.

In simple terms: Fear of losing self to an imagined buyer.

Key Takeaway

Beware of surrendering values to vague threats.

Themes

existential dread identity self‑preservation

Mood

anxious contemplative

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • creative writing
  • philosophical discussion

Key Concepts

metaphor psychology spirituality

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does “selling your soul” mean to you?
  • How can you protect your inner self?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may obscure concrete moral lessons.

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