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Acquaintance Quote by Fernando Pessoa

“Friends: not one. Just a few acquaintances who imagine they feel something for me and who might be sorry if a train ran over me and the funeral was on a rainy day.” quote by Fernando Pessoa
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“Friends: not one. Just a few acquaintances who imagine they feel something for me and who might be sorry if a train ran over me and the funeral was on a rainy day.”

Fernando Pessoa

About This Quote

Source Poem: “The Book of Disquiet”, Fernando Pessoa, 1913

The speaker feels isolated, believing acquaintances only feign concern and would be indifferent to his death.

In simple terms: Feeling alone despite superficial connections.

Key Takeaway

Recognize true friendships versus shallow acquaintances.

Themes

isolation loneliness superficiality

Mood

melancholic reflective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • mental health
  • social media interactions

Key Concepts

existentialism social alienation

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you distinguish between genuine and perfunctory relationships?
  • How does this perception affect your social behavior?
A Different Perspective

People may still care deeply despite surface-level relationships.

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