Emptiness Quote by Gustave Flaubert
““Better to work for one's self alone. The public is so stupid. Who reads? And what do they read? And what do they admire? Ah, blessed peaceful times of the past, blessed eras of powdered wigs! You lived with complete assurance, poised on your high heels, twirling your silver-headed canes! Beneath us the earth is trembling. Where can we place our fulcrum, even admitting that we possess the lever? The thing we all lack is not style, nor that dexterity of finger and bow known as talent. We have a large orchestra, a rich palette, a variety of resources. We know many more tricks and dodges, probably, than were ever known before. No; what we lack is the intrinsic principle, the soul of the thing, the very idea of the subject.We take notes, we make journeys: emptiness! Emptiness! We become scholars, archaeologists, historians, doctors, cobblers, connoisseurs. What good is all that? Where is the heart, the verve, the sap? Where to start out from? Where to go to?””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Unknown (philosophical reflection)
The passage laments modern superficiality, urging a return to intrinsic purpose beyond skill and knowledge.
In simple terms: Society values style over substance, missing true meaning.
Key Takeaway
Seek depth over mere technique.
Themes
purpose
authenticity
critique of modernity
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
essay
When to use this quote
- academic work
- creative pursuits
- self‑reflection
- career planning
Key Concepts
existentialism
cultural criticism
Questions to Reflect On
- What core principle guides your work?
- How can you balance skill with meaning?
A Different Perspective
Finding purpose can be overwhelming without concrete steps.
