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The trick to flying safely, Zoe always said, was to never…

“The trick to flying safely, Zoe always said, was to never buy a discount ticket and to tell yourself you had nothing to live for anyway, so that when the plane crashed it was no big deal. Then, when it didn't crash, when you had succeeded in keeping it aloft with your own worthlessness, all you…” quote by Lorrie Moore
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““The trick to flying safely, Zoe always said, was to never buy a discount ticket and to tell yourself you had nothing to live for anyway, so that when the plane crashed it was no big deal. Then, when it didn't crash, when you had succeeded in keeping it aloft with your own worthlessness, all you had to do was stagger off, locate your luggage, and, by the time a cab arrived, come up with a persuasive reason to go on living.””

Lorrie Moore

About This Quote

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

Self‑destruction can be rationalized as a coping mechanism, but survival forces a search for meaning.

In simple terms: We may justify emptiness, yet must find purpose.

Key Takeaway

Seek authentic purpose beyond nihilism.

Themes

existentialism coping meaning

Mood

melancholic reflective

Type

philosophical psychological

When to use this quote

  • mental health
  • career
  • personal crisis

Key Concepts

psychology self‑worth

Questions to Reflect On

  • What gives your life meaning?
  • How do you confront feelings of worthlessness?
A Different Perspective

Self‑destruction can cause lasting harm.

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