Children Quote by Remy de Gourmont
““Ah! I wish I had the courage to work for the debasement of my contemporaries. What good work it would be to defile their daughters: to insinuate something obscene into the infantile hands which caress each paternal beard and cheek; to poison them, even at the risk of perishing ourselves; to do as those Spanish monks did, who drank death in order that they might persuade the French rabble which had violated their monastery to do likewise.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Decadent Movement, late 19th century, France
A provocative call for radical, destructive rebellion against societal norms, using shocking imagery to challenge complacency.
In simple terms: Encourages extreme defiance of the status quo.
Key Takeaway
Consider the costs of radical actions.
Themes
rebellion
radicalism
provocation
morality
power
Mood
defiant
dark
intense
Type
controversial
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political activism
- artistic expression
- philosophical debate
Key Concepts
anarchism
psychology
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- Is destruction ever justified for change?
- What are ethical limits of rebellion?
A Different Perspective
Such extreme measures can alienate allies and cause self-destruction.
