I think closeness to death would be pretty exhilarating in a way, and friendship, yeh, and selflessness, a kind of selflessness, a sense of your own worthlessness, I think, is pretty exhilarating.

In this quote, Sebastian Faulks reflects on the concept of death, friendship, and selflessness, exploring the idea that experiences related to mortality and self-sacrifice can bring a sense of exhilaration. He suggests that being close to death might be strangely liberating, as it forces individuals to confront their own vulnerability and perhaps experience life with a heightened sense of urgency and clarity. This perspective aligns with the idea that facing mortality can strip away the distractions and superficial aspects of life, revealing a deeper, more authentic way of living.

Faulks also introduces the idea of selflessness as being exhilarating. The sense of worthlessness he refers to might sound paradoxical at first, but it suggests that when a person places others’ needs before their own, it can bring a profound sense of fulfillment. Rather than focusing on one’s own desires or ego, true selflessness involves finding purpose and meaning in the service of others, which Faulks finds strangely exhilarating and freeing. This aligns with the idea that a selfless attitude helps people transcend their individual concerns and embrace a larger sense of belonging and connection.

The mention of friendship also plays a crucial role in the quote. Faulks appears to believe that friendship, especially when coupled with a sense of mutual selflessness, has the potential to be a deeply exhilarating experience. Friendship, when genuine and selfless, allows individuals to form bonds that are not based on what they can gain from each other, but on shared experiences and sacrifices, which can create a unique and profound sense of joy and meaning.

The origin of this quote can be found in Faulks' writing, particularly his exploration of themes related to the human condition. Known for works like Birdsong, Faulks often delves into the complexities of life, death, and the emotional experiences that shape human connections. His writing seeks to understand the intricacies of what it means to be human, making this quote a reflection of his philosophical views on selflessness, mortality, and the exhilarating aspects of deeply human experiences.