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It is unholy because it is heretic. It is foul. It is…

“It is unholy because it is heretic. It is foul. It is abominable to need something so badly that you cannot picture living without it. It is a contradiction to the condition of mankind.” quote by Shirley Jackson
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““It is unholy because it is heretic. It is foul. It is abominable to need something so badly that you cannot picture living without it. It is a contradiction to the condition of mankind.””

Shirley Jackson

About This Quote

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

The passage describes an intense, almost religious longing for something essential, labeling it as contradictory to human nature and morally repugnant.

In simple terms: A desperate need for something feels both holy and abominable, contradicting humanity.

Key Takeaway

Examine the moral conflicts of intense desire.

Themes

philosophy psychology religion human nature desire

Mood

introspective thoughtful

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • spiritual crises
  • creative inspiration

Key Concepts

moral contradiction obsessive longing existential conflict

Questions to Reflect On

  • What drives such contradictory feelings?
  • Can desire be both sacred and profane?
A Different Perspective

The wording may conflate moral judgment with emotional intensity, limiting nuance.

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