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Assholes Quote by Charles Bukowski

“R.O.TC. kept me away from sports while the other guys practiced every day. They made the school teams, won their letters and got the girls. My days were spent mostly marching around in the sun. All you ever saw were the backs of some guy's ears and his buttocks. I quickly became disenchanted with…” quote by Charles Bukowski
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““R.O.TC. kept me away from sports while the other guys practiced every day. They made the school teams, won their letters and got the girls. My days were spent mostly marching around in the sun. All you ever saw were the backs of some guy's ears and his buttocks. I quickly became disenchanted with military proceedings. The others shined their shoes brightly and seemed to go through maneuvers with relish. I couldn't see any sense in it. They were just getting shaped up in order to get their balls blown off later. On the other hand, I couldn't see myself crouched down in a football helmet, shoulder pads laced on, decked out in Blue and White, #69, trying to move out some brute with tacos on his breath so that the son of the district attorney could slant off left tackle for six yards. The problem was you had to keep choosing between on evil or another, and no matter what you chose, they sliced a little bit more off you, until there was nothing left. At the age of 25, most people were finished. A whole god-damned nation of assholes driving automobiles, eating, having babies, doing everything in the worst way possible, like voting for the presidential candidate who reminded them most of themselves.””

Charles Bukowski

About This Quote

Source Novel: Post Office, Charles Bukowski, 1971

Describes feeling trapped between oppressive choices, leading to disillusionment with society.

In simple terms: Life feels like forced decisions.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and question oppressive systems.

Themes

disillusionment choice societal pressure

Mood

cynical critical darkly humorous

Type

satirical social commentary

When to use this quote

  • military service
  • sports culture
  • career paths
  • political voting

Key Concepts

existentialism social critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • What choices feel forced in your life?
  • How can you find agency within constraints?
A Different Perspective

May overgeneralize and ignore positive aspects.

2.9 out of 5 (3 ratings)

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