Ashes Quote by Luis Buñuel
““I also remember being struck by de Sade's will, in which he asked that his ashes be scattered to the four corners of the earth in the hope that humankind would forget both his writings and his name. I'd like to be able to make that demand; commemorative ceremonies are not only false but dangerous, as are all statues of famous men. Long live forgetfulness, I've always said—the only dignity I see is in oblivion.””
About This Quote
Source Film: The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie, 1972
The quote argues that erasing memory of controversial figures is preferable to glorifying them, suggesting oblivion as a dignified fate.
In simple terms: Forgetfulness protects dignity; honoring the past can be harmful.
Key Takeaway
Embrace oblivion over false commemoration.
Themes
memory
legacy
honor
oblivion
dignity
Mood
reflective
critical
somber
Type
philosophical
controversial
When to use this quote
- museum curation
- public monuments
- education curricula
- media representation
Key Concepts
philosophy
ethics
historical revisionism
Questions to Reflect On
- Should societies erase harmful histories?
- Can forgetting be ethical?
A Different Perspective
Oblivion may erase lessons learned from past mistakes.
