By starving emotions we become humorless, rigid and…
“By starving emotions we become humorless, rigid and stereotyped; by repressing them we become literal, reformatory and holier-than-thou; encouraged, they perfume life; discouraged, they poison it”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Suppressing emotions leads to rigidity and lack of humor; expressing them enriches life, while repression makes life stale.
In simple terms: Repressed emotions stiffen us; expression livens life.
Allow emotions to be felt and expressed.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- therapy
- artistic work
- interpersonal relationships
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What emotions do you tend to suppress?
- How can you express them healthfully?
Over‑expression can cause instability.