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...I have had such a sickening of men in masses, and of…

“...I have had such a sickening of men in masses, and of causes, that I would not cross this room to reform parliament or prevent the union or to bring about the millennium. I speak only for myself, mind - it is my own truth alone - but man as part of a movement or a crowd is indifferent to me. He…” quote by Patrick O'Brian
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“...I have had such a sickening of men in masses, and of causes, that I would not cross this room to reform parliament or prevent the union or to bring about the millennium. I speak only for myself, mind - it is my own truth alone - but man as part of a movement or a crowd is indifferent to me. He is inhuman. And I have nothing to do with nations, or nationalism. The only feelings I have - for what they are - are for men as individuals; my loyalties, such as they may be, are to private persons alone.”

Patrick O'Brian

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 rejects collective identities and political causes, valuing only personal truth and individual relationships.

In simple terms: I care only about individuals, not groups or nations.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize personal integrity over mass movements.

Themes

individualism political disengagement loneliness skepticism

Mood

reflective detached skeptical

Type

philosophical personal political

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • political debate
  • social activism
  • career choices
  • community involvement

Key Concepts

existentialism anarchism humanism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What would you sacrifice for a cause you believe in?
  • How do you balance personal truth with social responsibility?
A Different Perspective

Collective action can achieve change that isolated individuals cannot.

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