Hideous Quote by Charles Baudelaire
“Etre un homme utile m'a paru toujours quelque chose de bien hideux. To be useful has always seemed to me quite hideous.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: Les Fleurs du Mal, 1857
The speaker finds the idea of being useful both appealing and repulsive, highlighting a tension between societal expectations and personal discomfort.
In simple terms: Being useful feels both good and ugly.
Key Takeaway
Embrace usefulness while questioning its cost.
Themes
societal pressure
self‑identity
paradox
Mood
conflicted
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- career
- volunteering
- personal relationships
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
existentialism
moral ambivalence
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you feel usefulness aligns with your true self?
- What makes usefulness seem hideous?
A Different Perspective
The quote may romanticize suffering, overlooking the value of genuine contribution.
