The idea of any social obligation [...] just the idea of it…

Quote byFernando Pessoa · 1888–1935

Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: The Book of Disquiet, Original: A ideia de uma obrigação social qualquer [...] só essa ideia me estorva os pensamentos de um dia, e às vezes é desde a mesma véspera que me preocupo, e durmo mal, e o caso real, quando se dá, é absolutamente insignificante, não justifica nada; e o caso repete-se e eu .

English (original)

The idea of any social obligation [...] just the idea of it embarasses my thoughts for a day, and sometimes it's since the day before that I worry, and don't sleep well, and the real affair, when it happens, is absolutely insignificant and justifies nothing; and the case repeats itself and I never learn to learn.

— Fernando Pessoa