If I wanted to be Rimbaud, what was I doing in graduate…
“If I wanted to be Rimbaud, what was I doing in graduate school? Trying to stay out of the army, of course. Graduate study gave me a draft deferment. But I also knew I lacked erudition and polish and was often sunk in forlorn reveries.”
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 reflects on using graduate school to avoid military service, highlighting the tension between artistic ambition and societal obligations.
In simple terms: Graduate school served as a draft deferment.
Key Takeaway
Balance personal goals with civic duties.
Themes
war
art
education
draft avoidance
Mood
reflective
conflicted
Type
philosophical
personal
When to use this quote
- military draft
- academic life
- creative writing
Key Concepts
conscientious objection
literary aspiration
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it ethical to use education to evade duty?
- How does this choice affect artistic authenticity?
A Different Perspective
Avoiding service may conflict with personal ethics.