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And I'm afraid it really is a jungle too," pursued the…

“And I'm afraid it really is a jungle too," pursued the Consul, "in fact I expect Rousseau to come riding out of it at any moment on a tiger." "What's that?" Mr Quincey said, frowning in a manner that might have meant: And God never drinks before breakfast either. "On a tiger," the Consul repeated…” quote by Malcolm Lowry
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““And I'm afraid it really is a jungle too," pursued the Consul, "in fact I expect Rousseau to come riding out of it at any moment on a tiger." "What's that?" Mr Quincey said, frowning in a manner that might have meant: And God never drinks before breakfast either. "On a tiger," the Consul repeated. The other gazed at him a moment with the cold sardonic eye of the material world. "I expect so," he said sourly. "Plenty tigers. Plenty elephants too... Might I ask you if the next time you inspect your jungle you'd mind being sick on your own side of the fence?””

Malcolm Lowry

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 warns that confronting harsh reality can be overwhelming and absurd, suggesting that even the most dangerous situations become mundane when faced repeatedly.

In simple terms: Facing danger can feel absurd and overwhelming.

Key Takeaway

Recognize absurdity, but act wisely.

Themes

absurdity danger reality humor

Mood

cynical reflective darkly humorous

Type

literary philosophical satirical

When to use this quote

  • political negotiations
  • personal crises
  • conflict resolution
  • risk assessment

Key Concepts

existentialism satire human condition

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you stay grounded when danger feels absurd?
  • When does humor help or hinder serious decisions?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may obscure practical advice, leaving listeners confused.

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