Skip to content

You want us all to be snake-charmers and scorpion-eaters,"…

“You want us all to be snake-charmers and scorpion-eaters," he raged, at one point in their conversation ... "Naturally," Eunice replied in her most provoking manner. "It would be far preferable to being a nation of tenth-rate pseudo-civilized rug-sellers.” quote by Paul Bowles
Download Open image
““You want us all to be snake-charmers and scorpion-eaters," he raged, at one point in their conversation ... "Naturally," Eunice replied in her most provoking manner. "It would be far preferable to being a nation of tenth-rate pseudo-civilized rug-sellers.””

Paul Bowles

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He criticizes a society that forces people into harmful roles, preferring authenticity over superficial civility.

In simple terms: Reject false roles, embrace real identity.

Key Takeaway

Choose authenticity over pretension.

Themes

identity societal pressure authenticity

Mood

defiant critical

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • career choices
  • cultural assimilation
  • political activism

Key Concepts

existentialism social critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • What roles do you feel forced into?
  • How can you foster genuine authenticity?
A Different Perspective

The quote may exaggerate for dramatic effect, overlooking nuanced cultural dynamics.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Paul Bowles

Explore all 122 Paul Bowles quotes

More Communication quotes

Browse all 21,506 Communication quotes