"Immortality: A toy which people cry for, And on their knees apply for, Dispute, contend and lie for, And if allowed Would be right proud Eternally to die for"
- Ambrose Bierce
About this Quote
This quote by Ambrose Bierce speaks with the paradoxical nature of human desire for immortality. We long for something that is difficult to attain, and yet we are willing to go to terrific lengths to attempt and accomplish it. We are willing to cry, ask, battle, and even lie for it, and if we had the ability to obtain it, we would be happy to crave it. This quote speaks with the human desire for something that is unattainable, and yet we are willing to do whatever it requires to attempt and get it. It likewise talks to the paradox of our desire for something that would ultimately result in our own demise. We are willing to risk our lives for something that would ultimately lead to our own death. This quote talks to the human condition and our desire for something that is ultimately unattainable.