--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: [H]e was soon to be head clerk; it was…" description: "\"“[H]e was soon to be head clerk; it was time to settle down. So he gave up his flute, exalted sentiments, and poetry; for every bourgeois in the flush ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8c7/gustave-flaubert-354_business_h-e-was-soon-to-be-head-clerk-it-was-tim_2291652.jpg" --- # \[H\]e was soon to be head clerk; it was time to settle… ![“[H]e was soon to be head clerk; it was time to settle down. So he gave up his flute, exalted sentiments, and poetry; for every bourgeois in the flush of his youth, were it but for a day, a moment, has believed himself capable of immense passions, of lofty enterprises. The most mediocre libertine…” quote by Gustave Flaubert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8c7/gustave-flaubert-354_business_h-e-was-soon-to-be-head-clerk-it-was-tim_2291652.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8c7/gustave-flaubert-354_business_h-e-was-soon-to-be-head-clerk-it-was-tim_2291652.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8c7/gustave-flaubert-354_business_h-e-was-soon-to-be-head-clerk-it-was-tim_2291652.jpg) > ““\[H\]e was soon to be head clerk; it was time to settle down. So he gave up his flute, exalted sentiments, and poetry; for every bourgeois in the flush of his youth, were it but for a day, a moment, has believed himself capable of immense passions, of lofty enterprises. The most mediocre libertine has dreamed of sultanas; every notary bears within him the debris of a poet.”” [Gustave Flaubert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gustave-flaubert/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. People often abandon artistic passions for practical roles, yet retain a hidden poetic core. **In simple terms:** We trade art for duty, but the poet remains inside. Key Takeaway Balance duty with creative expression. Themes career art identity society Mood nostalgic thoughtful Type literary philosophical When to use this quote - career choices - education - creative hobbies - self‑reflection Key Concepts existentialism dualism Questions to Reflect On - What part of you is hidden behind your job? - How can you nurture that inner poet? A Different Perspective Practical demands may suppress artistic growth. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Business](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/business/) [Poetry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/poetry/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) ## Related quotes > [For every bourgeois, in the heat of youth, if only for a day, for a minute, has believed himself capable of immense passions, of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gustave-flaubert/for-every-bourgeois-in-the-heat-of-youth-if-only-for-a-day-for-a/) [Gustave Flaubert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gustave-flaubert/) > [“Every notary carries about inside him the debris of a poet.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gustave-flaubert/every-notary-carries-about-inside-him-the-debris-of-a-poet/) [Gustave Flaubert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gustave-flaubert/) > [“Not a lawyer but carries within him the debris of a poet.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gustave-flaubert/not-a-lawyer-but-carries-within-him-the-debris-of-a-poet/) [Gustave Flaubert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gustave-flaubert/) > [He who draws noble delights from sentiments of poetry is a true poet, though he has never written a line in all his life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-sand/he-who-draws-noble-delights-from-sentiments-of-poetry-is-a-true-poet/) [George Sand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-sand/) > [“Nice feelings are for people who have money to live as they please. 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