Abstinence Quote by Salman Rushdie
““From the moment their pact is made, that devil’s contract that will make neither of them happy, there’s no stopping them. At the epicenter of the American earthquake that is VTO lies this very Oriental disorientation. Abstinence: it becomes their rocket fuel, and flies them to the stars.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Midnight's Children, 1981
A destructive partnership fuels ambition, but it brings misery and disorientation, yet they use denial as a driving force toward lofty goals.
In simple terms: A harmful pact fuels ambition but causes unhappiness; they use denial as fuel.
Key Takeaway
Beware alliances that promise power at the cost of joy.
Themes
ambition
destruction
illusion
Mood
tense
reflective
Type
cautionary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- creative projects
- political movements
- personal relationships
- spiritual quests
Key Concepts
existentialism
self‑sabotage
Questions to Reflect On
- What cost are you willing to pay for success?
- Can denial ever be a sustainable motivator?
A Different Perspective
Such pacts often collapse, leaving lasting damage.
