Witness, Heaven, how often I lie down in my bed with a…
““Witness, Heaven, how often I lie down in my bed with a wish, and even a hope, that I may never awaken again. And in the morning, when I open my eyes, I behold the sun once more, and am wretched. If I were whimsical, I might blame the weather, or an acquaintance, or some personal disappointment, for my discontented mind; and then this insupportable load of trouble would not rest entirely upon myself. But, alas! I feel it too sadly. I am alone the cause of my own woe, am I not? Truly, my own bosom contains the source of all my sorrow, as it previously contained the source of all my pleasure.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker blames external factors for sorrow but realizes the true source of pain lies within themselves, highlighting self‑responsibility for emotional states.
In simple terms: He realizes his own mind creates his sorrow.
Key Takeaway
Accept personal responsibility for your feelings.
Themes
self‑awareness
responsibility
inner conflict
philosophy
Mood
introspective
somber
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- personal journaling
- therapy sessions
- mindfulness practice
- self‑reflection discussions
Key Concepts
introspection
emotional ownership
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What internal patterns cause your sadness?
- How can you shift blame inward constructively?
A Different Perspective
Blaming external factors can still be a useful coping mechanism.