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Recently I began reading my old diaries. Back to before…

“Recently I began reading my old diaries. Back to before the war. Gradually I became very depressed. The reason for that is probably that I wrote only when there were obstacles and halts to the flow of life, seldom when everything was smooth and even. ... As I read I distinctly felt what a…” quote by Kathe Kollwitz
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“Recently I began reading my old diaries. Back to before the war. Gradually I became very depressed. The reason for that is probably that I wrote only when there were obstacles and halts to the flow of life, seldom when everything was smooth and even. ... As I read I distinctly felt what a half-truth a diary presents.”

Kathe Kollwitz

About This Quote

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

The writer realizes that diaries often capture only moments of struggle, not the smooth flow of life, leading to a skewed, depressive perspective.

In simple terms: Diaries focus on obstacles, causing gloom.

Key Takeaway

Balance writing with moments of ease.

Themes

mental health writing self‑reflection

Mood

introspective melancholic

Type

literary psychological

When to use this quote

  • personal journaling
  • therapy sessions
  • creative writing workshops

Key Concepts

narrative bias memory emotional honesty

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can one capture everyday peace?
  • What impact does selective memory have?
A Different Perspective

Only recording hardship can distort one’s view of life.

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