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Those great wars which the body wages with the mind a…

“Those great wars which the body wages with the mind a slave to it, in the solitude of the bedroom against the assault of fever or the oncome of melancholia, are neglected. Nor is the reason far to seek. To look these things squarely in the face would need the courage of a lion tamer; a robust…” quote by Virginia Woolf
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““Those great wars which the body wages with the mind a slave to it, in the solitude of the bedroom against the assault of fever or the oncome of melancholia, are neglected. Nor is the reason far to seek. To look these things squarely in the face would need the courage of a lion tamer; a robust philosophy; a reason rooted in the bowels of the earth.””

Virginia Woolf

About This Quote

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

She describes mental struggles as wars, urging confronting them with lion‑like bravery and grounded philosophy

In simple terms: She urges facing mental battles with courage and deep, grounded reasoning

Key Takeaway

Confront inner turmoil with bravery and philosophy

Themes

psychology philosophy courage existentialism

Mood

introspective serious

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • Dealing with anxiety
  • Facing depression
  • Meditating on personal struggles
  • Seeking philosophical grounding

Key Concepts

inner conflict mental health philosophical resilience

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can philosophy aid mental health?
  • What does “lion tamer” symbolize in confronting fear?
A Different Perspective

May underestimate the complexity of mental illness treatment

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