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I thought of killing myself but soon decided that I could…

“I thought of killing myself but soon decided that I could always try MIT and then kill myself later if it was that bad but that I couldn't commit suicide and then try MIT afterwards. The two operations, suicide and going to MIT, don't commute.” quote by Murray Gell-Mann
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“I thought of killing myself but soon decided that I could always try MIT and then kill myself later if it was that bad but that I couldn't commit suicide and then try MIT afterwards. The two operations, suicide and going to MIT, don't commute.”

Murray Gell-Mann

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 jokes that suicide and attending MIT are mutually exclusive actions that cannot be reordered, highlighting a dark humor about procrastination and self‑destruction.

In simple terms: Suicide and MIT cannot be swapped; the speaker jokes about delaying death.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the seriousness behind dark jokes and seek help.

Themes

mental health humor procrastination

Mood

distressed darkly humorous conflicted

Type

personal dark humor

When to use this quote

  • college decisions
  • mental health crises
  • self‑harm ideation

Key Concepts

existential dread self‑destruction academic pressure

Questions to Reflect On

  • What underlying feelings drive this joke?
  • How can you address the real distress behind it?
A Different Perspective

The humor may downplay genuine suicidal thoughts, risking misunderstanding.

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