Master monologue (Act 5) — Plays by August Strindberg, Third Series

And it is peaceful, the way I have it here. No love, no friends, only a little company to break up the solitude. Then human beings are just human beings, without any claims on your feelings and sympathies. Then you come loose like an old tooth, and drop out without pain or regrets. Take Louise, for instance--a pretty young girl, the sight of whom pleases me like a work of art that I don't wish to possess--there is nothing to disturb our relationship. My brother and I meet like two old gentlemen who never get too close to each other and never exact any confidences. By taking up a neutral position toward one's fellow-men, one attains a certain distance--and as a rule we look better at a distance. In a word, I am pleased with my old age and its quiet peace--[_Calling out_] Louise!