In looking back now, I see how it began in my childhood…
““In looking back now, I see how it began in my childhood, altho’ I was not conscious of the necessity until ’67 or ’68 when I broke down first, acutely, and had violent turns of hysteria. As I lay prostrate after the storm with my mind luminous and active and susceptible of the clearest, strongest impressions, I saw so distinctly that it was a fight simply between my body and my will, a battle in which the former was to be triumphant to the end…So, with the rest, you abandon the pit of your stomach, the palms of your hands, the soles of your feet, and refuse to keep them sane when you find in turn one moral impression after another producing despair in the one, terror in the others, anxiety in the third and so on until life becomes one long flight from remote suggestion and complicated eluding of the multifold traps set for your undoing.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Inner turmoil reflects a battle between body and will, leading to existential distress.
In simple terms: Mental struggle between physical desire and inner will.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address internal conflicts.
Themes
psychology
existentialism
mental health
Mood
introspective
somber
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- therapy
- personal growth
- stress management
- creative work
Key Concepts
self‑control
inner conflict
Questions to Reflect On
- What internal battles do you face?
- How can you reconcile body and will?
A Different Perspective
May overlook external influences on mental health.