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We play at believing ourselves imortal. We delude…

“We play at believing ourselves imortal. We delude oursleves in the appraisal of our own works and in our perpetual misappraisal of the works of others. See you at the Nobel, writers say, as one might say: see you in hell.” quote by Roberto Bolaño
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““We play at believing ourselves imortal. We delude oursleves in the appraisal of our own works and in our perpetual misappraisal of the works of others. See you at the Nobel, writers say, as one might say: see you in hell.””

Roberto Bolaño

About This Quote

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

Writers delude themselves with immortality, overvaluing their work while misjudging others, leading to a bleak, ironic fate.

In simple terms: Writers think they’re eternal, but they’re flawed.

Key Takeaway

Recognize humility in creative work.

Themes

art ego immortality irony humility

Mood

cynical melancholic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • Publishing
  • academic critique
  • personal reflection
  • career planning

Key Concepts

Existentialism literary criticism self‑deception

Questions to Reflect On

  • What drives the desire for lasting fame?
  • How can creators balance confidence and humility?
A Different Perspective

The view may ignore genuine artistic legacy.

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