In this quote from Antanas Škėma, the author delves into the themes of unhappiness, community living, marriage, and suffering. Škėma presents a bleak view of life, suggesting that individuals are unhappy both when alone and in community, married and unmarried. He portrays optimism as bitter mockery of human suffering and emphasizes the idea that life is a constant struggle or war. The phrase "eadem sed aliter" at the end of the quote, which translates to "the same but different," reflects the cyclical and repetitive nature of history. Overall, the quote conveys a sense of despair and resignation in the face of life's challenges.
The quote by Antanas Škėma reflects on the complexities and struggles of human existence, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals both in solitude and within communities. It also touches on the concept of optimism in the face of adversity, the inevitability of suffering, and the ever-changing nature of history. These themes continue to hold significance in today's society, reminding us of the enduring nature of human experiences and the importance of resilience in the midst of hardship.
In his book "Dievų miškas", Antanas Škėma reflects on the complexities and contradictions of human existence. He writes, "Mes esame nelaimingi vieni, ir mes nelaimingi bendruomenėje; vedę ir nevedę; mes lyg ežiai, besiburią šilimai, mums nepatogu, kai mes sugrūsti, ir mes dar nelaimingesni išsiskyrę." This passage highlights the inherent struggles and discontentment that often accompany human relationships and societal expectations.
Additionally, Škėma's words, "gyvenimas - blogis, nes gyvenimas - karas; kuo tobulesnis organizmas, tuo tobulesnis kentėjimas," shed light on his belief that suffering is an inherent part of life, and that the more refined and perfected one's physical or mental state is, the more intense and profound their experiences of suffering may be.
Through his poignant observations and philosophical musings, Škėma challenges readers to confront the harsh realities of existence and consider the deeper implications of human nature and societal norms.
These profound words by Antanas Škėma leave us contemplating the complexities of human existence and the harsh realities of life. Reflect on the following questions to delve deeper into the themes presented in this quote: