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Death Quote by Charles Bukowski

“I killed four flies while waiting. Damn, death was everywhere. Man, bird, beast, reptile, rodent, insect, fish didn't have a chance. The fix was in. I didn't know what to do about it. I got depressed. You know, I see a boy at the supermarket, he's packing my groceries, then I see him sticking…” quote by Charles Bukowski
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““I killed four flies while waiting. Damn, death was everywhere. Man, bird, beast, reptile, rodent, insect, fish didn't have a chance. The fix was in. I didn't know what to do about it. I got depressed. You know, I see a boy at the supermarket, he's packing my groceries, then I see him sticking himself into his own grave along with the toilet paper, the beer and the chicken breasts.””

Charles Bukowski

About This Quote

Source Poem: Untitled, 1970s

He reflects on pervasive death, feeling helpless, and observes a boy’s mundane yet fatal routine, highlighting existential despair.

In simple terms: He sees death everywhere and feels powerless.

Key Takeaway

Acknowledge mortality and seek agency.

Themes

death despair mundane existential observational

Mood

dark cynical

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • everyday life
  • mental health
  • urban observation

Key Concepts

nihilism absurdity social critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do everyday routines mask deeper anxieties?
  • What coping mechanisms counteract existential dread?
A Different Perspective

Finding meaning in chaos is challenging.

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