Skip to content

Alcoholics Quote by Paul Klee

“My self . . . is a dramatic ensemble. Here a prophetic ancestor makes his appearance. Here a brutal hero shouts. Here an alcoholic bon vivant argues with a learned professor. Here a lyric muse, chronically love-struck, raises her eyes to heaven. Her papa steps forward, uttering pedantic protests…” quote by Paul Klee
Download Open image
“My self . . . is a dramatic ensemble. Here a prophetic ancestor makes his appearance. Here a brutal hero shouts. Here an alcoholic bon vivant argues with a learned professor. Here a lyric muse, chronically love-struck, raises her eyes to heaven. Her papa steps forward, uttering pedantic protests. Here the indulgent uncle intercedes. Here the aunt babbles gossip. Here the maid giggles lasciviously. And I look upon it all with amazement, the sharpened pen in my left hand.”

Paul Klee

About This Quote

Source Essay: "The Drama of the Self", 1925

The writer portrays the self as a theatrical cast of diverse characters, each representing different inner voices and roles.

In simple terms: The self is a cast of many roles.

Key Takeaway

Observe and integrate inner voices.

Themes

identity theatre inner dialogue self‑reflection

Mood

contemplative creative

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • journaling
  • therapy
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

psychology literature

Questions to Reflect On

  • Which inner character dominates you?
  • How can you harmonize conflicting voices?
A Different Perspective

Too many roles may cause confusion.

3.1 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Paul Klee

Explore all 111 Paul Klee quotes

More Alcoholics quotes

Browse all 343 Alcoholics quotes