Buried Quote by Gertrud Kolmar
““The Buried Woman // Die Begrabene In life we all pursued our aims. What held us up was lust and games. What drove us on was want and strife, And what we earned: an end to life. So now I lie stretched out alone, All covered up with earth and stone. "I have and want" I cannot say; "I must and will" became my way. In lands of light exults decay. He clothes himself as blue as a day; In many forms deceives the eye, And builds the tower of Babel high. We see his face in movie halls And nailed to newsstands, fences, walls; His name is there for all to see; "Success," he's called, "Technology." His cruel machines, his brutal crimes Break every record of our times. His coffin governs East and West. But will it soon be laid to rest? The victory of death seems near. But no! At last a grave appears, Awakens, yawns its jaws to bite, And crushes death in lasting night.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Buried Woman,” 1930s collection, published posthumously
The poem critiques humanity’s obsession with technology and power, portraying it as a destructive force that will ultimately be defeated by death.
In simple terms: Technology is a destructive force that will be overcome by death.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the limits of technological ambition.
Themes
technology
mortality
power
critique
Mood
cautionary
somber
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- policy making
- ethical AI development
- environmental activism
Key Concepts
existential dread
environmental decay
human hubris
inevitability
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards can prevent technology from becoming a “buried woman”?
- How do we balance innovation with humility?
A Different Perspective
Technological progress can also bring genuine benefits if guided responsibly.
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