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Aim Quote by Henry Miller

“Once I thought that to be human was the highest aim a man could have, but I see now that it was meant to destroy me. To-day I am proud to say that I am inhuman, that I belong not to men and governments, that I have nothing to do with creeds and principles. I have nothing to do with the creaking…” quote by Henry Miller
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“Once I thought that to be human was the highest aim a man could have, but I see now that it was meant to destroy me. To-day I am proud to say that I am inhuman, that I belong not to men and governments, that I have nothing to do with creeds and principles. I have nothing to do with the creaking machinery of humanity - I belong to the earth!”

Henry Miller

About This Quote

Source Book: Tropic of Cancer, Henry Miller, 1934

The speaker rejects humanity's lofty ideals as destructive, embracing a primal connection to nature over societal constructs.

In simple terms: Reject human ideals, embrace nature.

Key Takeaway

Find freedom in nature, not society.

Themes

individualism nature rebellion

Mood

defiant reflective

Type

philosophical provocative

When to use this quote

  • personal identity
  • political dissent
  • spiritual seeking

Key Concepts

existentialism anti‑humanism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does being “inhuman” mean to you?
  • Can rejecting society improve wellbeing?
A Different Perspective

Human ideals can imprison; nature may not sustain all.

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