I don't want to repeat my innocence. I want the pleasure of losing it again.
 F. Scott Fitzgerald, This Side of Paradise (1920). copy citation

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Author F. Scott Fitzgerald
Source This Side of Paradise
Topic youth innocence yearning
Date 1920
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/805/805-h/805-h.htm

Context

“Sentimentalists think they want to be in the pure, simple state they were in before they ate the candy. They don't. They just want the fun of eating it all over again. The matron doesn't want to repeat her girlhood—she wants to repeat her honeymoon. I don't want to repeat my innocence. I want the pleasure of losing it again.
Q.—Where are you drifting?
This dialogue merged grotesquely into his mind's most familiar state—a grotesque blending of desires, worries, exterior impressions and physical reactions.
One Hundred and Twenty-seventh Street—or One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Street….” source

Meaning and analysis

Kwize Master Amory hears a conversation in his head, during which a voice asks questions about his situation and answers them. After having talked about his financial situation, the discussion focuses on morality and the fact that one does not regret his youth but regrets the unique experience of losing one's innocence. To become innocent again will therefore allow us to give ourselves the opportunity to live one more time the unique experiences after which we become blasé.
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