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Thought is an acid, eating us away. At first we imagine it…

“Thought is an acid, eating us away. At first we imagine it will only eat into that which is rotten and sick and must be removed. But thought thinks otherwise. It eats blindly. It begins with the prey you most gladly throw to it - but don't imagine it will be content with that! It doesn't stop…” quote by Hjalmar Söderberg
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““Thought is an acid, eating us away. At first we imagine it will only eat into that which is rotten and sick and must be removed. But thought thinks otherwise. It eats blindly. It begins with the prey you most gladly throw to it - but don't imagine it will be content with that! It doesn't stop until it has gnawed away the last thing you hold dear.””

Hjalmar Söderberg

About This Quote

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

Thought can be destructive, consuming everything, even what we try to protect, and never stops until it erodes all we cherish.

In simple terms: Thought can destroy everything we hold dear.

Key Takeaway

Guard against obsessive thinking.

Themes

psychology philosophy self‑destruction mindfulness

Mood

reflective somber

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • therapy session
  • creative writing
  • personal reflection
  • stressful decision

Key Concepts

cognitive patterns inner critic mental health

Questions to Reflect On

  • What thoughts are you feeding?
  • How can you redirect destructive thinking?
A Different Perspective

Thought can also lead to insight if examined.

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