Detest Quote by Fernando Pessoa
““I have to choose what I detest - either dreaming which my intelligence hates, or action, which my sensibility loathes; either action, for which I wasn't born, or dreaming, for which no one was born. Detesting both, I choose neither; but since I must on occasion either dream or act, I mix the two things together.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Book of Disquiet”, 1913
The speaker feels trapped between dreaming and acting, both of which feel hostile, and resolves to blend them when forced.
In simple terms: Caught between dreaming and acting, feeling both are wrong, so combine them.
Key Takeaway
Accept that both thought and deed are needed.
Themes
conflict
identity
creativity
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- artistic creation
- personal decision making
- career planning
- daily problem solving
Key Concepts
existentialism
dualism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you integrate imagination with practical action?
- What prevents you from fully embracing either?
A Different Perspective
Balancing may be impossible when one side dominates.
![“Tolerance to my mind has been greatly overrated . . . . I take as much pleasure in detesting the good brothers and sisters of the [Anti-Saloon] League as they have in hating me.” quote by Westbrook Pegler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ea5/westbrook-pegler-41486_brother_tolerance-to-my-mind-has-been-greatly-ov_1163192.jpg)
