"Humankind struggles with collective powers for its freedom, the individual struggles with dehumanization for the possession of his soul."
"Great pressure is brought to bear to make us undervalue ourselves. On the other hand, civilization teaches that each of us is an inestimable prize. There are, then, these two preparations: one for life and the other for death. Therefore we value and are ashamed to value ourselves."
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Source: Saul Bellow (2003). “Novels, 1944-1953”
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"Associate with the noblest people you can find; read the best books; live with the mighty; but learn to be happy alone."
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