Communication Quote by Roland Barthes
![“[Emilio’s dinner with FM Banier] Gradually I abandon the conversation (suffering because the others might suppose I am doing so for reasons of contempt.) FMB (supported by Youssef) embodies a strong (and ingenious) system of values, codes, seductions, styles; but even as the system gains in…” quote by Roland Barthes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4ac/roland-barthes-1062_communication_emilio-s-dinner-with-fm-banier-gradually_1747184.jpg)
““[Emilio’s dinner with FM Banier] Gradually I abandon the conversation (suffering because the others might suppose I am doing so for reasons of contempt.) FMB (supported by Youssef) embodies a strong (and ingenious) system of values, codes, seductions, styles; but even as the system gains in consistency, I feel excluded from it. And little by little I cease struggling, I withdraw, without concern for how I appear to the others. Thus it begins by an initially slight disaffection for sociability which becomes quite radical. As it develops, it gradually combines with a hostalgia for what remains living for me: maman. And ultimately I fall into an abyss of suffering.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: “The Death of the Author” (fictional excerpt), 1977
The passage describes a gradual withdrawal from social interaction, feeling alienated by a rigid value system, leading to deep personal suffering.
In simple terms: Isolation from societal norms can cause profound loneliness and despair.
Key Takeaway
Seek authentic connections and question oppressive systems.
Themes
alienation
identity
social conformity
psychological distress
Mood
introspective
somber
empathetic
Type
literary
psychological
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- mental health support
- cultural critique
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
existentialism
structuralism
psychoanalysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How can one maintain individuality within restrictive structures?
- What practices help rebuild social bonds after alienation?
A Different Perspective
The narrative may romanticize suffering without offering concrete coping strategies.
![“[On social climbing:] Everything that goes up must come down.” quote by Maxine Cheshire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/156/maxine-cheshire-63390_climbing_on-social-climbing-everything-that-goes_438587.jpg)
