Flowers Quote by Osamu Dazai
““Today, while Mother was watching me work, she suddenly remarked, “They say that people who like summer flowers die in the summer. I wonder if it’s true.” I did not answer but went on watering the eggplants. It is already the beginning of summer. She continued softly, “I am very fond of hibiscus, but we haven’t a single one in this garden.” “We have plenty of oleanders,” I answered in an intentionally sharp tone. “I don’t like them. I like almost all summer flowers, but oleanders are too loud.” “I like roses best. But they bloom in all four seasons. I wonder if people who like roses best have to die four times over again.” We both laughed.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai, 1948
The dialogue uses floral metaphors to explore mortality, preferences, and the absurdity of assigning fate to likes.
In simple terms: Flowers symbolize life and death, questioning if tastes predict destiny.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions about fate.
Themes
mortality
absurdity
preference
existentialism
Mood
reflective
lighthearted
existential
Type
literary
conversational
When to use this quote
- garden work
- family conversation
- reflective writing
- personal introspection
Key Concepts
symbolism
literary humor
philosophical inquiry
Questions to Reflect On
- Do personal preferences truly reflect deeper truths?
- How does humor help confront mortality?
A Different Perspective
Humor may mask deeper existential dread.
