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We went there to grope for our happiness, which all the…

“We went there to grope for our happiness, which all the world was threatening with the utmost ferocity. We were ashamed of wanting what we wanted, but something had to be done about it all the same. Love is harder to give up than life. In this world we spend our time killing or adoring, or both…” quote by Louis-Ferdinand Céline
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““We went there to grope for our happiness, which all the world was threatening with the utmost ferocity. We were ashamed of wanting what we wanted, but something had to be done about it all the same. Love is harder to give up than life. In this world we spend our time killing or adoring, or both together. "I hate you! I adore you!" We keep going, we fuel and refuel, we pass on our life to a biped of the next century, with frenzy, at any cost, as if it were the greatest of pleasures to perpetuate ourselves, as if, when all's said and done, it would make us immortal. One way or another, kissing is as indispensable as scratching. ””

Louis-Ferdinand Céline

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 explores humanity’s relentless pursuit of happiness, love, and legacy amidst conflict and existential struggle.

In simple terms: We chase love and meaning despite hardship.

Key Takeaway

Seek authentic connection.

Themes

existentialism love legacy conflict

Mood

melancholic intense

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • creative expression
  • philosophical reflection

Key Concepts

human desire mortality social critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does love mean to you?
  • How do you balance desire and duty?
A Different Perspective

Idealizing love may ignore practical realities.

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