--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: To every man it is decreed: Thou shalt…" description: "\"To every man it is decreed: Thou shalt live alone. Happy they who imagine that they have escaped the common lot; happy, whilst they imagine it.\" — Geor..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eab/george-gissing-7774_common_to-every-man-it-is-decreed-thou-shalt-li_1003466.jpg" --- # To every man it is decreed: Thou shalt live alone. Happy… ![“To every man it is decreed: Thou shalt live alone. Happy they who imagine that they have escaped the common lot; happy, whilst they imagine it.” quote by George Gissing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eab/george-gissing-7774_common_to-every-man-it-is-decreed-thou-shalt-li_1003466.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eab/george-gissing-7774_common_to-every-man-it-is-decreed-thou-shalt-li_1003466.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eab/george-gissing-7774_common_to-every-man-it-is-decreed-thou-shalt-li_1003466.jpg) > “To every man it is decreed: Thou shalt live alone. Happy they who imagine that they have escaped the common lot; happy, whilst they imagine it.” [George Gissing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-gissing/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Human beings are destined for solitude, yet many find comfort in believing they have transcended ordinary existence. **In simple terms:** Solitude is inevitable; some find peace in imagined escape. Key Takeaway Accept solitude, seek authentic connection. Themes solitude existentialism illusion Mood melancholic reflective Type philosophical literary When to use this quote - personal reflection - creative writing - philosophical discourse Key Concepts individualism existential angst self‑deception Questions to Reflect On - Do you ever feel isolated yet comforted by imagination? - How does believing you’re beyond the common lot affect your relationships? 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