Skip to content

Superstitious Quote by André Aciman

“I had rehearsed losing him not just to ward off suffering by taking it in small doses beforehand, but, as all superstitious people do, to see if my willingness to accept the very worst might not induce fate to soften its blow.” quote by André Aciman
Download Open image
““I had rehearsed losing him not just to ward off suffering by taking it in small doses beforehand, but, as all superstitious people do, to see if my willingness to accept the very worst might not induce fate to soften its blow.””

André Aciman

About This Quote

Source Novel: Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman, 2007

The narrator prepares for loss by imagining it in small, controlled doses, hoping that acceptance will lessen the impact of actual tragedy.

In simple terms: Imagining loss can soften its blow.

Key Takeaway

Practice acceptance to lessen future pain.

Themes

grief anticipation psychology

Mood

melancholic reflective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • relationship breakup
  • terminal illness
  • personal loss
  • preemptive coping

Key Concepts

Stoicism emotional regulation anticipation

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can imagined loss truly reduce suffering?
  • What risks arise from rehearsing worst‑case scenarios?
A Different Perspective

Acceptance may not change outcomes, only perception.

3.5 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by André Aciman

Explore all 527 André Aciman quotes

More Superstitious quotes

Browse all 345 Superstitious quotes