Cities Quote by Allen Ginsberg
“I really would like to stop working forever–never work again, never do anything like the kind of work I’m doing now–and do nothing but write poetry and have leisure to spend the day outdoors and go to museums and see friends. And I’d like to keep living with someone — maybe even a man — and explore relationships that way. And cultivate my perceptions, cultivate the visionary thing in me. Just a literary and quiet city-hermit existence.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “Howl” (excerpt), 1956
A yearning for total freedom from labor, seeking a life of artistic creation, leisure, and intimate companionship.
In simple terms: Desire for a poetic, leisurely, relational life.
Key Takeaway
Embrace artistic pursuits and meaningful relationships.
Themes
freedom
art
leisure
relationships
self‑cultivation
Mood
longing
hopeful
contemplative
Type
philosophical
personal
aspirational
When to use this quote
- retirement planning
- creative sabbatical
- urban hermit lifestyle
- relationship building
Key Concepts
existentialism
romanticism
individualism
Questions to Reflect On
- What would you sacrifice for this freedom?
- How can you integrate art into daily work?
A Different Perspective
Financial stability and societal obligations may limit such a lifestyle.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
