Abasement Quote by Joseph Brodsky
““Men can return to where they have done evil deeds, but men do not return to where they’ve been abased. On this point God’s design and our own feeling of abasement coincide so absolutely that we quit: the night, the rotting beast, the exultant mobs, our homes, our hearthfires, Bacchus in a vacant lot embracing Ariadne in the dark.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The End of the World” by Joseph Brodsky, 1975
The quote reflects on humanity’s tendency to repeat wrongdoing but avoid confronting humiliation, suggesting a deep, almost divine alignment of shame and avoidance that drives us away from both physical and moral decay.
In simple terms: People repeat sins but avoid humiliation, feeling shame that pushes them away from decay.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and confront shame to break cycles of avoidance.
Themes
shame
repetition
morality
avoidance
human nature
Mood
melancholic
reflective
serious
Type
poetic
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- social critique
- spiritual contemplation
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What does shame prevent you from doing?
- How can facing humiliation foster personal growth?
A Different Perspective
Avoidance can lead to stagnation and loss of growth opportunities.
