Animal Quote by Arthur Rimbaud
“...You have to pass an exam, and the jobs that you get are either to shine shoes, or to herd cows, or to tend pigs. Thank God, I don't want any of that! Damn it! And besides that they smack you for a reward; they call you an animal and it's not true, a little kid, etc.. Oh! Damn Damn Damn Damn Damn!”
About This Quote
Source Poem: "Le Bateau Ivre" by Arthur Rimbaud, 1871
The speaker rejects low‑status labor and the dehumanizing labels society imposes, yearning for freedom and dignity.
In simple terms: Rejecting degrading work and labels.
Key Takeaway
Seek work that respects your humanity.
Themes
freedom
dignity
class
identity
rebellion
Mood
frustrated
defiant
hopeful
Type
cultural
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- job search
- career counseling
- education planning
- advocacy for workers' rights
Key Concepts
existentialism
social critique
self‑determination
Questions to Reflect On
- What work would you choose if status didn’t matter?
- How can you redefine your value beyond labels?
A Different Perspective
Societal pressures may limit options despite personal aspirations.
