"I can die when I wish to: that is my elixir of life"
- Ernest Renan
About this Quote
This quote by Ernest Renan speaks with the idea of having control over one's life. By stating that he can pass away when he wants to, Renan is recommending that he has the power to decide when his life will end. This indicates that he is in control of his life which he is not bound by any external forces. This idea of having control over one's life is empowering and can be viewed as a kind of liberation. It is a way of asserting one's autonomy and self-reliance. In this way, Renan's quote can be viewed as a metaphor for freedom and self-determination. It is a reminder that all of us have the power to make decisions about our lives which we need to not be bound by external forces. This quote is a pointer that we should take control of our lives and make choices that are in our benefits.
"Life is life - whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man's own advantage"