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Only part of us is sane: only part of us loves pleasure…

“Only part of us is sane: only part of us loves pleasure and the longer day of happiness, wants to live to our nineties and die in peace, in a house that we built, that shall shelter those who come after us. The other half of us is nearly mad. It prefers the disagreeable to the agreeable, loves…” quote by Rebecca West
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“Only part of us is sane: only part of us loves pleasure and the longer day of happiness, wants to live to our nineties and die in peace, in a house that we built, that shall shelter those who come after us. The other half of us is nearly mad. It prefers the disagreeable to the agreeable, loves pain and its darker night despair, and wants to die in a catastrophe that will set back life to its beginnings and leave nothing of our house save its blackened foundations.”

Rebecca West

About This Quote

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

Human nature contains both a desire for stability and a fascination with chaos, reflecting inner conflict.

In simple terms: We are split between peace and turmoil.

Key Takeaway

Accept both sides of yourself.

Themes

human nature conflict duality

Mood

introspective melancholic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • relationship counseling
  • creative writing
  • risk assessment
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

psychology existentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What drives your darker impulses?
  • How can you channel them constructively?
A Different Perspective

Focusing on chaos can undermine wellbeing.

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