America Quote by Allen Ginsberg
“Every American wants MORE & MORE of the world and why not, you only live once. But the mistake made in America is persons accumulate more & more dead matter, machinery, possessions & rugs & fact information at the expense of what really counts as more: feeling, good feeling, sex feeling, tenderness feeling, mutual feeling. You own twice as much rug if you're twice as aware of the rug.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public lecture, 1970s, United States
The quote critiques materialism, urging focus on emotional and relational richness over accumulating possessions and information.
In simple terms: Prioritize feelings and connections over material accumulation.
Key Takeaway
Seek deeper relationships and emotional fulfillment.
Themes
materialism
emotional health
consumerism
values
mindfulness
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
social commentary
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- mental health
- community building
- minimalism
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you measure emotional wealth?
- What possessions truly enhance your life?
A Different Perspective
The desire for more can be a genuine drive for improvement, not just greed.
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