So I say to him: Lord, make an exception of me. Since You…
““So I say to him: Lord, make an exception of me. Since You are All-Powerful, destroy my soul rather than my body. I don’t want to become dust and ashes —— ashes, what a lovely word, but never mind that — I would prefer to remain a body, to keep my skin, my bones, my legs. I could manage without a soul. Lord, deprive me of consciousness, memory, imagination, even the power of speech, but leave me my senses. Not a day has passed since the beginning of the holidays, when I have not striven to kill my soul.””
About This Quote
A desperate plea to retain physical existence at any cost, rejecting spiritual annihilation even if it means losing consciousness and identity.
In simple terms: Fear of losing self in death.
Key Takeaway
Body over soul.
Themes
existential dread
body-soul dualism
mortality
desperation
identity
spiritual conflict
Mood
anguish
defiance
loneliness
Type
philosophical
lament
plea
When to use this quote
- facing terminal illness
- philosophical crisis
- religious doubt
- extreme fear of afterlife
- contemplating suicide
Key Concepts
self-preservation
consciousness
mortality
body vs soul
Practical Applications
- exploring existential literature
- psychological counseling
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to be alive without consciousness?
- Can physical existence be meaningful without a soul?
A Different Perspective
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