How nice -- to feel nothing, and still get full credit for being alive.
Meaning
In Slaughterhouse-Five, the line comes from Billy Pilgrim's dark, numb view of surviving the firebombing of Dresden. It is a sly warning against drifting through days emotionally shut down. Check in with yourself tonight: name one thing you actually felt today, and why.
Source: Slaughterhouse-Five (1969)
Share image
Preview of the image used when this quote is shared on social networks.
About the author
(1922–2007) was an American writer known for his satirical and darkly humorous novels. His works, including "Slaughterhouse-Five," explore themes of war, technology, and human existence. Vonnegut’s writing blends science fiction with social commentary, offering a unique perspective on modern life. His style is accessible yet thought-provoking. Kurt Vonnegut’s influence continues to be felt in literature and popular culture.
Related quotes
-
“The only thing that makes life possible is permanent, intolerable uncertainty.”
Meaning: Le Guin suggests that uncertainty is not a flaw but a fundamental part of existence. It creates possibilities, growth, and change, making life dynamic and meaningful. -
“The place in which I'll fit will not exist until I make it.”
Meaning: This emphasizes self-creation. -
“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.”
Meaning: It highlights influence of behavior. -
“Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without.”
Meaning: It highlights vulnerability in love. -
“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”
Meaning: Le Guin highlights that experiences along the way are more important than the destination itself. Growth happens during the process. -
“Freedom is what you do with what's been done to you.”
Meaning: True freedom lies in how individuals respond to circumstances. Even when situations are imposed, one still has the power to choose their reaction. -
“I can't believe what you say, because I see what you do.”
Meaning: This emphasizes actions over words. -
“The trouble is that once you see it, you can’t unsee it.”
Meaning: Awareness changes perception permanently. -
“Some people go to priests, others to poetry, I to my friends.”
Meaning: Friends often serve as our source of comfort, guidance, and emotional support. This quote highlights the role of friendship in providing strength and understanding during life’s challenges.
