...You see I believe in that stuff to: yoga and mystical…
““...You see I believe in that stuff to: yoga and mystical powers. I once knew a man who could kill himself on command. Can you believe that? . . . Why do you laugh? . . . Believe it! By will of his own mind, he could make his heart stop beating for good' My neighbor poised and looked seriously at me, searching in my eyes. '...You laugh!' he repeated once more… 'You laugh, but he was a master at it! He could commit suicide at his own will!' Indeed, hearty laughter streamed through my nose. 'Could he do it perpetually?' I asked. 'Perpetually...?' My neighbor rubbed his waxy chin. 'I mean, is he still able to do it?' 'I’m not sure I understand.' 'Well? Then is he dead…?!' My neighbor's puzzled face slowly began to transform into a look of realization. 'But sir,' he said, 'Of course he’s dead! I mean to say... this man could kill himself on command, you see. And you don’t come back from the dead!' The two of us found ourselves crossing to the door so I could let my visitor out. I slapped him with friendliness on the shoulder. 'No, you don’t come back from the dead,' I agreed.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A conversation about the power of will and the absurdity of believing one can control death through mind alone.
In simple terms: Belief in mind over death is absurd.
Key Takeaway
Question the limits of mental control.
Themes
mortality
belief
absurdity
Mood
skeptical
reflective
Type
philosophical
dialogue
When to use this quote
- discussions on self‑harm
- philosophical debates
- mental health counseling
Key Concepts
willpower
psychology
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- Can will truly override biology?
- What are the dangers of such beliefs?
A Different Perspective
Limits of human control over biology are real.