Bacon Quote by Flann O'Brien
““Is it life?" he answered, "I would rather be without it," he said, "for there is queer small utility in it. You cannot eat it or drink it or smoke it in your pipe, it does not keep the rain out and it is a poor armful in the dark if you strip it and take it to bed with you after a night of porter when you are shivering with the red passion. It is a great mistake and a thing better done without, like bed-jars and foreign bacon.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Third Policeman, 1939
Life is portrayed as a burdensome, useless existence offering offers no practical benefit, urging a rejection of its perceived value.
In simple terms: Life seems pointless and burdensome.
Key Takeaway
Question the usefulness of life’s comforts.
Themes
existentialism
nihilism
absurdity
Mood
darkly humorous
critical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- daily routines
- social expectations
- material pursuits
Key Concepts
The Third Policeman
flann o brien
absurd literature
Questions to Reflect On
- What aspects of life give you purpose?
- Can absurdity coexist with meaning?
A Different Perspective
Life may hold hidden meaning despite apparent futility.
![“Is it life?' he answered.'I would rather be without it' he said, ' for there is a queer small utility in it. You cannot eat it or drink it or smoke it in your pipe, [...] It is a great mistake and a thing better done without, like red-bars and foreign bacon.” quote by Flann O'Brien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3ae/flann-o-brien-6916_bacon_is-it-life-he-answered-i-would-rather-be_585949.jpg)
![“I am your soul and all your souls. When I am gone you are dead. Past humanity is not only implicit in each new man born but is contained in him,[...] All humanity from its beginning to its end is already present but the beam has not yet played beyond you! [...] You are not the top of your people's…” quote by Flann O'Brien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f2a/flann-o-brien-6916_soul_i-am-your-soul-and-all-your-souls-when-i_105303.jpg)
