Catastrophe Quote by Anais Nin
![“I looked at it [revolver] as if it reminded me of a crime I had committed with an irrepressible smile such as rises sometimes to people’s lips in the face of great catastrophes which are beyond their grasp, the smile that comes at times on certain women’s faces while they are saying they regret…” quote by Anais Nin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4ce/anais-nin-288_catastrophe_i-looked-at-it-revolver-as-if-it-reminde_2054971.jpg)
“I looked at it [revolver] as if it reminded me of a crime I had committed with an irrepressible smile such as rises sometimes to people’s lips in the face of great catastrophes which are beyond their grasp, the smile that comes at times on certain women’s faces while they are saying they regret the harm they have done. It is the smile of nature quietly and proudly asserting its natural right to kill.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Smiling Man” by Anais Nin, 1935
The smile can be a defiant, natural response to catastrophe, reflecting humanity’s dark pride.
In simple terms: Smiles can hide dark truths.
Key Takeaway
Recognize pride in suffering.
Themes
human nature
pride
catastrophe
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- war
- personal loss
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
psychology
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- What does a smile reveal in crisis?
- When does pride become harmful?
A Different Perspective
Smiles may mask responsibility.
