Absurd Quote by Vladimir Nabokov
“a man who has decided upon self-destruction is far removed from mundane affairs, and to sit down and write his will would be, at that moment, an act just as absurd as winding up one’s watch, since together with the man, the whole world is destroyed; the last letter is instantly reduced to dust and, with it, all the postmen; and like smoke, vanishes the estate bequeathed to a nonexistent progeny.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Gift, 1938
Self-destruction isolates one from ordinary life; any attempt to formalize legacy becomes absurd as the world collapses with the self.
In simple terms: Destruction renders all plans meaningless.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the impact of self-harm on broader existence.
Themes
self-destruction
absurdity
legacy
Mood
somber
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- mental health crises
- legal wills
- philosophical debates
- artistic expression
Key Concepts
existentialism
nihilism
impermanence
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “the world is destroyed” symbolize?
- Can legacy survive self-destruction?
A Different Perspective
May romanticize destruction, ignoring preventable harm.
![“May it [American independence] be to the world, what I believe it will be, (to some parts sooner, to others later, but finally to all,) the signal of arousing men to burst the chains under which monkish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves, and to assume the blessings…” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/73f/thomas-jefferson-43_american-independenc_may-it-american-independence-be-to-the-w_931310.jpg)
![“...under no circumstances would he [Humbert Humbert] have interfered with the innocence of a child, if there was the least risk of a row.” quote by Vladimir Nabokov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0f0/vladimir-nabokov-198_children_under-no-circumstances-would-he-humbert_16228.jpg)
