Bad habit Quote by Marcel Proust
““My Dear Grandpapa, I’m appealing to your kindness for the sum of 13 francs that I would like to ask Monsieur Nathan for, but that Mamma prefers that I ask you for. Here is why. I so needed to see a woman to cure my bad habit of masturbating that papa gave me 10 francs to go to a brothel. But in my first agitated state I broke the chamber pot, 3 francs, and second, in this same agitated state, I was unable to screw. So here I am, still awaiting each hour 10 francs to satisfy myself and in addition, 3 francs for the chamber pot. -M.””
About This Quote
The speaker pleads for money, mixing embarrassment about a sexual habit with a clumsy accident, showing desperation and a desire for relief.
In simple terms: He asks for money to fix a broken pot and to visit a brothel, feeling ashamed yet urgent.
Key Takeaway
Seek honest help rather than secrecy.
Themes
desperation
embarrassment
sexuality
poverty
humor
Mood
embarrassed
urgent
humorous
Type
confessional
humorous
social.
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- intimate confession
- financial request
- social stigma
- self‑control
Key Concepts
human vulnerability
social taboo
financial need
Questions to Reflect On
- How can one address personal vices without shame?
- What alternatives exist for financial aid in such situations?
A Different Perspective
The request may be seen as manipulative or lacking responsibility for personal choices.
![“For her [Françoise], wealth was like a necessary condition without which virtue would lack both merit and charm. She made so little distinction between the two that she came to see their qualities as interchangeable, expecting material comfort from virtue and moral edification from wealth.” quote by Marcel Proust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/573/marcel-proust-114_character_for-her-fran-oise-wealth-was-like-a-nece_2687.jpg)
