. . . and in the end the logical thing would be to give up and I would give up if I were laboring for a reader today, but as there is in the world not a single human who can speak my language; or, more simply, not a single human who can speak; or, even more simply, not a single human; I must think only of myself, of that force which urges me to express myself. I repeat: there is something I know, there is something I know, there is something...
by Vladimir Nabokov
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The quote from Vladimir Nabokov's "Invitation to a Beheading" emphasizes the struggle of expressing oneself when feeling isolated from society. The speaker grapples with the notion of giving up due to a lack of understanding or connection with others. This sentiment reflects a deep frustration and a recognition that the act of communication can often feel futile when there seems to be no audience who comprehends one's language or experience.

Nevertheless, despite the overwhelming sense of loneliness and the rationale to surrender, the speaker acknowledges an inner drive to express their thoughts and feelings. This imperative to articulate personal truths speaks to the universal human desire for self-expression and the longing to communicate one's existence, even in the face of apparent solitude.

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March 22, 2025

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