Give up all the wild ideas that buzz round you like wasps…
![“Give up all the wild ideas that buzz round you like wasps. Or like bluebottles. […] Find a nice, ordinary girl, not too attractive or you’ll be jealous all the time, not too bright or you’ll be anxious all the time, not too rich or you’ll have nothing to strive for, not too original or she’ll…” quote by Robert Aickman](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/27e/robert-aickman-25472_quote_give-up-all-the-wild-ideas-that-buzz-rou_1626494.jpg)
““Give up all the wild ideas that buzz round you like wasps. Or like bluebottles. […] Find a nice, ordinary girl, not too attractive or you’ll be jealous all the time, not too bright or you’ll be anxious all the time, not too rich or you’ll have nothing to strive for, not too original or she’ll upset people. There are plenty of them, and all of them are available to a young postman like you. Those are the terms offered.” The terrier had come to a sudden standstill, as if he had been a white gun dog on one of the estates. “ You don’t live like that,” said Robin from the bed. “I don’t live at all,” replied Rosetta. “Haven’t you realized?” “Perhaps I have.” Now Robin was staring at her: momentarily still that muggy evening; for seconds rigid as the dog. Rosetta smiled. “I am the person every postman meets in the end.” “I’m a provisional postman only. I told you that clearly,” remarked Robin, starting once more to relax. “Do what I tell you. What else is there for you? Only wasps and bluebottles.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A man is urged to settle for a safe, unremarkable partner, suppressing wild desires, reflecting societal pressure to conform and the loss of authentic self.
In simple terms: Conformity is promoted over personal passion.
Key Takeaway
Embrace authentic desires, avoid bland compromises.
Themes
conformity
relationship expectations
self‑suppression
societal pressure
identity
Mood
cautious
reflective
critical
Type
narrative
dialogue
philosophical
When to use this quote
- dating
- career choices
- personal growth
- social expectations
Key Concepts
psychology
social norms
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- Are safe compromises worth losing yourself?
- What does “wild ideas” represent?
A Different Perspective
Suppressing true self can cause resentment.