“What, I wondered, did he mean by “society”? The plural of human beings? Where was the substance of this thing called “society”? I had spent my whole life thinkng that society must certainly be something powerful, harsh and severe, but to hear Horiki talk made the words “Don’t you mean yourself?” come to the tip of my tongue. But I held the words back, reluctant to anger him.‘Society won’t stand for it.’‘It’s not society. You’re the one who won’t stand for it - right?’‘If you do such a thing society will make you suffer for it’‘It’s not society. It’s you, isn’t it?’‘Before you know it, you’ll be ostracized by society.’‘It’s not society. You’re going to do the ostracizing, aren’t you?’Words, words of every kind went flitting through my head. “Know thy particular fearsomeness, thy knavery, cunning and witchcraft!” What I said, however, as I wiped the perspiration from my face with a handkerchief was merely, “You’ve put me in a cold sweat!” I smiled.From then on, however, I came to hold, almost as a philosophical conviction, the belief: What is society but an individual?”
Quote Analysis:
In this thought-provoking quote from Osamu Dazai's work, the protagonist questions the concept of "society" and its impact on individuals. The protagonist reflects on the idea that society is often used as a scapegoat for personal responsibility and actions. The dialogue with Horiki challenges the notion of society as an external force, highlighting the role of individual agency in shaping one's experiences. This introspective moment leads the protagonist to a profound realization that society is ultimately made up of individuals, each with their own fears, motivations, and biases. Through this exploration, Dazai prompts readers to consider the complex interplay between society and the self, questioning the nature of social influence and personal accountability.
Modern Relevance
In this excerpt from Osamu Dazai's work, the protagonist questions the concept of "society" and ultimately comes to the realization that society is made up of individuals. This idea is still relevant today as we navigate issues of conformity, collective thinking, and individuality in a rapidly changing world. The excerpt challenges us to consider the role we play in shaping society and the impact of our own actions and beliefs.
Example of Usage
In the passage provided by Osamu Dazai, the protagonist questions the concept of "society" and reflects on the idea that society is merely a collection of individuals. The protagonist's internal dialogue challenges the notion of societal norms and expectations, ultimately arriving at the conclusion that society is a reflection of the individuals within it. This passage highlights the complex relationship between individuals and the larger societal structures they navigate.
Reflection Questions
This excerpt from Osamu Dazai's work raises important questions about the concept of society and the role of the individual within it. As you reflect on these ideas, consider the following questions:
- How do you define "society" based on your own experiences and observations?
- Do you agree with the idea that society is ultimately comprised of individuals and their actions?
- In what ways do societal norms and expectations influence your decisions and behavior?
- Have you ever felt pressured to conform to societal standards, even if they conflicted with your personal beliefs?
- How does the concept of individual agency and responsibility relate to the idea of society as described in the passage?
Similar quotes
“Mother, have you noticed that this society we’re in tends to be a little…repressive?” “What does that mean, Eugenie? What does that mean, that strange new word, ‘repressive,’ that I have never heard before?” “It means…it’s like when you decide to do something, and you get up out of your chair to do it, and you take a step, and then become aware of frosty glances being directed at you from every side.” “Frosty glances?” “Your desires are stifled.” “What desires are you talking about?” “Just desires in general. Any desires. It’s a whole…I guess atmosphere is the…word…a tendency on the part of the society…” “You’d better sew some more pillow cases, Eugenie.”
“What did he mean by "society"? The plural of human beings?”
“You were saying that the kind of man Robert wasis hard to find,” she said.Yes…it is.”I thought you were that kind of man?”Well…I am that man in the making.”Why do you think things are like that?”Society…you are right. Society has made the modern man promiscuous.”What? I thought you didn’t get my point.”I see your point now…it’s a very important point.”She smiled and allowed me to do the same. “A point that you are now using as anexcuse,” she said.I smiled, “what excuse?”That it’s all society’s fault.”No…oh…no,” I smiled again. “It’s not all society’s fault. We can also blamewomen.”What! Blame women for what?”For making it easier for men to be dogs.”Are you freaking me?”I wish I could but you won’t let me.”
“What I can do is the only limit of what I may do. Because we are gregarious we live in society, and society holds together by means of force, force of arms (that is the policeman) and force of public opinion. You have society on one hand and the individual on the other: each is an organism striving for self-preservation. It is might against might. I stand alone, bound to accept society and not unwilling, since in return for the taxes I pay it protects me, a weakling, against the tyranny of another stronger than I am; but I submit to its laws because I must; I do not acknowledge their justice; I do not know justice, I only know power. And when I have paid for the policeman who protects me and, if I live in a country where conscription is in force, served in the army which guards my house and land from the invader, I am quits with society: for the rest I counter its might with my wiliness. It makes laws for its self-preservation, and if I break them it imprisons or kills me: it has the might to do so and therefore the right. If I break the laws I will accept the vengeance of the state, but I will not regard it as punishment nor shall I feel myself convicted of wrong-doing. Society tempts me to its service by honours and riches and the good opinion of my fellows; but I am indifferent to their opinion, I despise honours and I can do very well without riches.”
“I take it, sir, that you do not approve of our new society.""Approval, sir, in my opinion, demands the attainment of perfection. And in that sense, you rather overrate the charms of your society. I'faith, for one thing, it does seem monstrous ill-dressed for any society, even a new one.”