In simple terms, this quote speaks about someone's discomfort with being reduced to a mere statistic or number. The speaker feels dehumanized by this process and expresses their frustration at initially submitting to such treatment before finding the courage to stand up against it.
At a deeper level, George Grosz is expressing his dissatisfaction with a society that often overlooks individuality and human dignity in favor of cold, impersonal statistics. By describing himself as "a very small number," he highlights how people can feel insignificant or unimportant when they are categorized rather than recognized for their unique qualities and contributions. The phrase about letting others "bellow at me" suggests a sense of powerlessness before authority figures who treat individuals with disregard. However, the quote also conveys Grosz's eventual resolve to challenge this dehumanizing treatment by standing up to these authoritative voices, which symbolizes a refusal to be silenced or trivialized.
George Grosz was a prominent German artist and illustrator known for his sharp political commentary and satirical drawings. Born in 1893, he played a significant role during the Weimar Republic era, using his art to criticize societal issues such as militarism and bourgeois complacency. His work often reflected on the human condition within complex social contexts, making him an influential figure both artistically and politically.
