Centipedes Quote by William S. Burroughs
““There may be people who like centipedes... Personally, I would regard such an individual with deep suspicion. I have just petted my cat: "And how is this good little cat beast?" Now what sort of man or woman or monster would stroke a centipede on his underbelly? "And here is my good big centipede!" If such a man exists, I say kill him without more ado. He is a traitor to the human race.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Naked Lunch, William S. Burroughs, 1959
The speaker expresses extreme revulsion toward anyone who admires or handles centipedes, labeling them a threat to humanity.
In simple terms: Disgust for centipede lovers; they are dangerous.
Key Takeaway
Reject or distance from those who embrace the grotesque.
Themes
revulsion
other
humanity
Mood
disgust
anger
Type
political
controversial
When to use this quote
- social interactions
- online debates
- personal boundaries
- cultural taboos
Key Concepts
moral panic
othering
extremism
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you ever judge others for harmless oddities?
- What defines a true threat to humanity?
A Different Perspective
The hyperbolic threat may alienate legitimate dissent or curiosity.
