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Aunt Quote by Gerald Durrell

“Why keep in touch with them? That's what I want to know,' asked Larry despairingly. 'What satisfaction does it give you? They're all either fossilized or mental.' 'Indeed, they're not mental,' said Mother indignantly. 'Nonsense, Mother... Look at Aunt Bertha, keeping flocks of imaginary cats…” quote by Gerald Durrell
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“Why keep in touch with them? That's what I want to know,' asked Larry despairingly. 'What satisfaction does it give you? They're all either fossilized or mental.' 'Indeed, they're not mental,' said Mother indignantly. 'Nonsense, Mother... Look at Aunt Bertha, keeping flocks of imaginary cats... and there's Great-Uncle Patrick, who wanders about nude and tells complete strangers how he killed whales with a penknife...They're all bats.”

Gerald Durrell

About This Quote

Source Book: The Bafut Beagles by Gerald Durrell, 1958

The passage sat the absurdity of clinging to relationships that offer no genuine fulfillment, highlighting how people can become detached or bizarre.

In simple terms: Clinging to empty ties is pointless.

Key Takeaway

Seek authentic connections.

Themes

relationships absurdity fulfillment

Mood

reflective skeptical

Type

literary observational

When to use this quote

  • family gatherings
  • social media
  • old friendships
  • new acquaintances

Key Concepts

existentialism social critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • What relationships in your life feel empty?
  • How do you discern genuine connection?
A Different Perspective

Not all relationships are worth maintaining; some may be harmful.

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