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Kindly permit me to tell you, sir, that I hate you. I hate…

“Kindly permit me to tell you, sir, that I hate you. I hate you and your child, as I hate the life of which you are the representative: cheap, ridiculous, but yet triumphant life, the everlasting antipodes and deadly enemy of beauty. I cannot say I despise you - for I am honest. You are stronger…” quote by Thomas Mann
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““Kindly permit me to tell you, sir, that I hate you. I hate you and your child, as I hate the life of which you are the representative: cheap, ridiculous, but yet triumphant life, the everlasting antipodes and deadly enemy of beauty. I cannot say I despise you - for I am honest. You are stronger than I. I have no armour for the struggle between us, I have only the Word, avenging weapon of the weak. Today I have availed myself of this weapon. This letter is nothing but an act of revenge - you see how honourable I am - and if any word of mine is sharp and bright and beautiful enough to strike home, to make you feel the presence of a power you do not know, to shake even a minute your robust equilibrium, I shall rejoice indeed. -””

Thomas Mann

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 declares hatred toward a person and what they represent, using words as a weapon of the weak to challenge power and beauty.

In simple terms: He attacks a person and their values with harsh words as a form of revenge.

Key Takeaway

Use language deliberately to confront injustice.

Themes

hatred revenge power dynamics beauty honor

Mood

angry defiant

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal conflict
  • artistic expression
  • social critique

Key Concepts

existentialism literary criticism psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the speaker truly seek to achieve?
  • Can harsh language ever be constructive?
A Different Perspective

The approach may alienate allies and deepen conflict.

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