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A doctor once told me that with crying you aren't sure…

“A doctor once told me that with crying you aren't sure what its derivation is. If someone comes at you with a knife, you don't cry: you scream, you try to run. When it's over and you're OK, that's when you cry.” quote by Bill Viola
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“A doctor once told me that with crying you aren't sure what its derivation is. If someone comes at you with a knife, you don't cry: you scream, you try to run. When it's over and you're OK, that's when you cry.”

Bill Viola

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Explains that crying is context‑dependent: fear triggers scream, relief triggers tears, highlighting emotional processing stages.

In simple terms: Crying follows fear and relief.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and honor emotional phases.

Themes

emotions healing human experience

Mood

introspective empathetic

Type

artistic psychological

When to use this quote

  • therapy sessions
  • personal reflection
  • artistic expression

Key Concepts

psychology of grief catharsis trauma recovery

Questions to Reflect On

  • When do you allow yourself to cry?
  • How does expressing pain aid recovery?
A Different Perspective

Crying may be suppressed culturally.

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