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It is true that I had wanted to die , but that is…

“It is true that I had wanted to die , but that is peculiarly different from regretting having been born. Overwhelmingly, I was enormously glad to have been born, grateful for life, and I couldn’t imagine not wanting to pass on life to someone else.” quote by Kay Redfield Jamison
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“It is true that I had wanted to die , but that is peculiarly different from regretting having been born. Overwhelmingly, I was enormously glad to have been born, grateful for life, and I couldn’t imagine not wanting to pass on life to someone else.”

Kay Redfield Jamison

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 distinguishes between the desire to end one's own life and the broader appreciation for existence, emphasizing gratitude for being alive and wanting to share life with others.

In simple terms: Wanting to die is different from regretting being born; the speaker feels grateful for life.

Key Takeaway

Cherish life and share it.

Themes

gratitude existence mental health

Mood

hopeful reflective

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • therapy sessions
  • support groups
  • life coaching

Key Concepts

nihilism meaning purpose

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you cultivate gratitude during depressive episodes?
  • What practices help you appreciate life despite suffering?
A Different Perspective

Life’s value can be clouded by mental illness, making gratitude hard to sustain.

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