I became a librarian at the Sainte-Genevieve Library in Paris. I made this gesture to rid myself of a certain milieu, a certain attitude, to have a clean conscience, but also to make a living. I was twenty-five. I had been told that one must make a living, and I believed it.

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This quote by Marcel Duchamp reflects a pivotal moment in his life when he chose to become a librarian at the Sainte-Genevieve Library in Paris. The act of taking this job was not just about employment, but about making a deliberate gesture to distance himself from a particular milieu—a social or cultural environment—that he found limiting or uncomfortable. Duchamp wanted to adopt a different attitude and free himself from any burdens on his conscience, seeking clarity and a fresh start.

At the age of twenty-five, Duchamp was at a crossroads where he faced societal expectations, such as the belief that one must earn a living to survive and be respected. This quote reveals his internal conflict between artistic freedom and practical necessity. Although becoming a librarian might seem mundane compared to his avant-garde pursuits, it was a strategic move to balance his ideals with the realities of life.

The origin of this quote lies in Duchamp’s reflections on his career and the choices he made during his early adulthood. By working in the library, he found a way to maintain his integrity while navigating the pressures to conform. This decision symbolizes the tension between creative expression and social responsibility—a theme common in Duchamp’s life and work.

Overall, the quote highlights Duchamp’s thoughtful approach to life, emphasizing how personal decisions can serve multiple purposes: cleansing the mind, adapting to societal demands, and ensuring financial stability, all while preserving one’s core values.