Death Quote by Théophile Gautier
““You know, the immortality of the soul, free will and all that -- it's all very amusing to talk about up to the age of twenty-two, but not after that. Then one ought to be giving one's mind to having fun without catching the pox, arranging one's life as comfortably as possible, having a few decent drawings on the wall, and above all writing well. That's the important thing: well-made sentences...and then a few metaphors. Yes, a few metaphors. They embellish a man's existence.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Art of Writing,” 19th‑century literary criticism
Immortality and free will become less interesting after youth; the real aim is to enjoy life, create comfortable surroundings, and write well, using metaphors to enrich existence.
In simple terms: After youth, focus on joy, comfort, and good writing.
Key Takeaway
Write well and enjoy life.
Themes
art
aging
writing
Mood
inspirational
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- home décor
- personal development
- visual arts
Key Concepts
aesthetics
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- What metaphors enrich your life?
- How do you balance comfort and ambition?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on comfort may hinder growth.
![“[A cat] will make itself the companion of your hours of work, of loneliness, or of sadness.” quote by Theophile Gautier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a3d/theophile-gautier-7224_cat_a-cat-will-make-itself-the-companion-of_34315.jpg)
