--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: What times are these when a conversation…" description: "\"“What times are these when a conversation is almost a crime because it includes so much made explicit?”\" — Paul Celan" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/30d/paul-celan-10412_communication_what-times-are-these-when-a-conversation_1416440.jpg" --- # What times are these when a conversation is almost a crime… ![“What times are these when a conversation is almost a crime because it includes so much made explicit?” quote by Paul Celan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/30d/paul-celan-10412_communication_what-times-are-these-when-a-conversation_1416440.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/30d/paul-celan-10412_communication_what-times-are-these-when-a-conversation_1416440.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/30d/paul-celan-10412_communication_what-times-are-these-when-a-conversation_1416440.jpg) > ““What times are these when a conversation is almost a crime because it includes so much made explicit?”” [Paul Celan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-celan/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Expresses how language can become oppressive and criminalized under totalitarian regimes **In simple terms:** When words become dangerous and restricted Key Takeaway Recognize the power and risk of speech in repressive contexts Themes language oppression freedom Mood somber thoughtful Type literary political When to use this quote - Political protests - authoritarian societies - artistic expression Key Concepts Totalitarianism censorship Questions to Reflect On - How does fear of speech shape societies? - Can art resist criminalization of conversation? A Different Perspective Free speech may be curtailed, limiting honest dialogue ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Communication](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/communication/) [Conversation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conversation/) [Conversation Crime](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conversation-crime-5005040/) [Crime](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/crime/) [Crime Includes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/crime-includes-5005041/) [Explicit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/explicit/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) [Times Conversation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/times-conversation-1378783/) ## Related quotes > [My neighbors tell me of their adventures with famous gentlemen and ladies, what notabilities they met at the dinner-table; but I am no more…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-david-thoreau/my-neighbors-tell-me-of-their-adventures-with-famous-gentlemen-and/) [Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-david-thoreau/) > [“The first conversation began awkwardly, although Espinoza had been expecting Pelletier's call, as if both men found it difficult to say what sooner or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roberto-bola-o/the-first-conversation-began-awkwardly-although-espinoza-had-been/) [Roberto Bolaño](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roberto-bola-o/) > [“Around this time, Pelletier and Espinoza, worried about the current state of their mutual lover, had two long conversations on the phone. 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Read all the time, the understanding will come by itself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-celan/read-read-all-the-time-the-understanding-will-come-by-itself/) [Paul Celan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-celan/) > [“Schwerer werden. Leichter sein.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-celan/schwerer-werden-leichter-sein/) [Paul Celan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-celan/) > [“Autunm eats its leaf out of my hand: we are friends. 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