Man is born violent but is kept in check by the people around him. If he nevertheless manages to throw off his fetters, he can count on applause, for everyone recognizes himself in him. Deeply ingrained, nay, buried dreams come true. The unlimited radiates its magic even upon crime, which, not coincidentally, is the main source of entertainment in Eumeswil. I, as an anarch, not uninterested but disinterested, can understand that. Freedom has a wide range and more facets than a diamond.

Man is born violent but is kept in check by the people around him. If he nevertheless manages to throw off his fetters, he can count on applause, for everyone recognizes himself in him. Deeply ingrained, nay, buried dreams come true. The unlimited radiates its magic even upon crime, which, not coincidentally, is the main source of entertainment in Eumeswil. I, as an anarch, not uninterested but disinterested, can understand that. Freedom has a wide range and more facets than a diamond.

📖 Ernst Junger

🌍 German  |  👨‍💼 Writer

🎂 March 29, 1895  –  ⚰️ February 17, 1998
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This quote presents a profound reflection on human nature, societal constraints, and the pursuit of true freedom. It suggests that humans are inherently inclined toward violence at birth, a raw aspect of our primal instincts. However, societal structures and social influences serve to control and restrain these impulses, effectively acting as fences that keep chaos at bay. The notion that breaking free from these social bonds garners applause highlights the paradox of human acknowledgment; when someone dares to challenge or overthrow societal norms, they are often celebrated because this act resonates with a shared, perhaps subconscious, understanding of individual greatness and authenticity. The idea that buried dreams can manifest into reality suggests that beneath our social masked personas lie desires and aspirations rooted in a deeper, perhaps more authentic self, eager to break free. The mention of crime being a form of entertainment underscores humanity's fascination with rebellion, chaos, and the forbidden—elements that are often forbidden but irresistibly alluring. As an anarch, the narrator admits a stance of disinterested observation rather than active participation, understanding the complex dynamics of freedom, which is not a simple state but a spectrum of many facets—each shining like the many faces of a diamond. The quote encapsulates a tension between societal order and individual liberty, exploring how true freedom entails recognizing and perhaps embracing the multifaceted nature of human desire and shattering the confines imposed by societal expectations. It prompts a reflection on the nature of authority, rebellion, and the enduring quest for authenticity in human life.

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