When I pretended to be precocious, people started the rumor that I was precocious. When I acted like an idler, rumor had it I was an idler. When I pretended I couldn't write a novel, people said I couldn't write. When I acted like a liar, they called me a liar. When I acted like a rich man, they started the rumor I was rich. When I feigned indifference, they classed me as the indifferent type. But when I inadvertently groaned because I was really in pain, they started the rumor that I was faking suffering. The world is out of joint.
family friends humans hypocrisy life living lying pain people school society suffering work

About This Quote

About Osamu Dazai, The Setting Sun

Osamu Dazai, The Setting Sun.

Themes

  • Family — The ties of kinship, parenting, and unconditional love
  • Life — Reflections on the meaning, challenges, and beauty of life
  • Work — The value of effort, discipline, and meaningful labour

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