--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: How can I keep silent? How can I stay…" description: "\"“How can I keep silent? How can I stay quiet? My friend, whom I loved, has turned to clay, my friend Enkidu, whom I loved has turned to clay. Shall I n..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bed/anonymous-1_friendship_how-can-i-keep-silent-how-can-i-stay-qui_1458910.jpg" --- # How can I keep silent? How can I stay quiet? My friend… ![“How can I keep silent? How can I stay quiet? My friend, whom I loved, has turned to clay, my friend Enkidu, whom I loved has turned to clay. Shall I not be like him, and also lie down, never to rise again, through all eternity?” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bed/anonymous-1_friendship_how-can-i-keep-silent-how-can-i-stay-qui_1458910.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bed/anonymous-1_friendship_how-can-i-keep-silent-how-can-i-stay-qui_1458910.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bed/anonymous-1_friendship_how-can-i-keep-silent-how-can-i-stay-qui_1458910.jpg) > ““How can I keep silent? How can I stay quiet? My friend, whom I loved, has turned to clay, my friend Enkidu, whom I loved has turned to clay. Shall I not be like him, and also lie down, never to rise again, through all eternity?”” [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## 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 mourns a lost friend and contemplates suicide, reflecting deep grief and existential despair. **In simple terms:** Grief leads to thoughts of ending life. Key Takeaway Seek support when grieving. Themes grief despair existential friendship death Mood somber reflective Type literary emotional When to use this quote - personal bereavement - mental health crisis - philosophical reflection Key Concepts mortality loss meaning Questions to Reflect On - How do you cope with profound loss? - What gives life meaning after loss? A Different Perspective Suicidal thoughts are not a solution and need help. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Friendship](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/friendship/) ## Related quotes > [When I stay quiet, it doesn't mean I've nothing to say. It means I don't think you're ready to hear my words. Sometimes we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/when-i-stay-quiet-it-doesn-t-mean-i-ve-nothing-to-say-it-means-i-don/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [To me a good book is like a quiet friend—a friend who’s happy to share thoughts and feelings with you, who’s always there when…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-brooks/to-me-a-good-book-is-like-a-quiet-friend-a-friend-who-s-happy-to/) [Kevin Brooks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-brooks/) > [If you're a stranger, and you've never met me before, I'll probably be more reserved and quiet. If you're my friend, you probably see…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sasheer-zamata/if-you-re-a-stranger-and-you-ve-never-met-me-before-i-ll-probably-be/) [Sasheer Zamata](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sasheer-zamata/) > [No more words. In the name of this place we drink in with our breathing, stay quiet like a flower. So the nightbirds will…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/no-more-words-in-the-name-of-this-place-we-drink-in-with-our/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [It's better to speak your mind and tell the truth, than to stay quiet and lie to yourself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/it-s-better-to-speak-your-mind-and-tell-the-truth-than-to-stay-quiet/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Ima stay quiet and let my actions speak for themselves...because people are just motivating me for bigger and better changes in life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/ima-stay-quiet-and-let-my-actions-speak-for-themselves-because-people/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Sometimes its best to stay QUIET. The silence can speak volumes without ever saying a word.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/sometimes-its-best-to-stay-quiet-the-silence-can-speak-volumes/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Do yourself a favor and just stay quiet.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/do-yourself-a-favor-and-just-stay-quiet/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [If you're scared to say it to me, don't whisper it to someone else. Whispers never stay quiet for long!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/if-you-re-scared-to-say-it-to-me-don-t-whisper-it-to-someone-else/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [If a tiny spark of God's love already burns within you, do not expose it to the wind, for it may get blown out……](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/if-a-tiny-spark-of-god-s-love-already-burns-within-you-do-not-expose/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The main place for Truth is the Tongue, Love resides in the Heart, and Compassion lives in ones Eyes. If someone asks, what is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-main-place-for-truth-is-the-tongue-love-resides-in-the-heart-and/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“I am the dinosaur of love. Specifically, I am a pterodactyl, and you are my silent “p.” Stay quiet woman!”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jarod-kintz/i-am-the-dinosaur-of-love-specifically-i-am-a-pterodactyl-and-you-are/) [Jarod Kintz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jarod-kintz/) > [Im done being silent, the left cannot win.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/im-done-being-silent-the-left-cannot-win/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [How can love be so silent when it speaks in the beating of your heart.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/how-can-love-be-so-silent-when-it-speaks-in-the-beating-of-your-heart/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [ \[In geology,\] As in history, the material in hand remains silent if no questions are asked. The nature of these questions depends on the… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/in-geology-as-in-history-the-material-in-hand-remains-silent-if-no/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## More by Anonymous > [And a tear rolled down her cheek, as she said goodbye; because she's walking away, and she's never looking back](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/and-a-tear-rolled-down-her-cheek-as-she-said-goodbye-because-she-s/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Life is full of change. That's how we learn and grow.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/life-is-full-of-change-that-s-how-we-learn-and-grow/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [You'll seldom experience regret for anything that you've done. It is what you haven't done that will torment you. The message, therefore, is clear.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/you-ll-seldom-experience-regret-for-anything-that-you-ve-done-it-is/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Scrabble - The game is available in Braille. That’s a nice fact. This makes me feel better about humanity for some reason. I can’t…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/scrabble-the-game-is-available-in-braille-that-s-a-nice-fact-this/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Everyone needs someone to love, and I choose you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/everyone-needs-someone-to-love-and-i-choose-you/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“THIS tale of my sore-troubled life I write,    To thank the God of nature, who conveyed    My soul to me, and with such care…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/this-tale-of-my-sore-troubled-life-i-write-to-thank-the-god-of-nature/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Put on my J's and dance the whole night away Im naughty by nature like Im hip-hop hooray With my hands in the sky,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/put-on-my-j-s-and-dance-the-whole-night-away-im-naughty-by-nature/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Me.. I have been through a lot, but I still manage to have a smile on my face. Im not worried about the past…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/me-i-have-been-through-a-lot-but-i-still-manage-to-have-a-smile-on-my/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Distance is a test of love. many will fail for those who can't withstand it, but for those who can, theres only one answer…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/distance-is-a-test-of-love-many-will-fail-for-those-who-can-t/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Im sorry I ever tried...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/im-sorry-i-ever-tried/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Being betrayed by the one you love is the worst feeling in the world...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/being-betrayed-by-the-one-you-love-is-the-worst-feeling-in-the-world/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Let children support their parents or be imprisoned.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/let-children-support-their-parents-or-be-imprisoned/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The only person I've ever purposely caused pain here is myself...By simply sharing, caring too much.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-only-person-i-ve-ever-purposely-caused-pain-here-is-myself-by/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Start a business, not a startup”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/start-a-business-not-a-startup/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The truth is, of course, that the curtness of the Ten Commandments is an evidence, not of the gloom and narrowness of a religion,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-truth-is-of-course-that-the-curtness-of-the-ten-commandments-is/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) [Explore all 162,899 Anonymous quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## More Friendship quotes > [Life is full of change. That's how we learn and grow.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/life-is-full-of-change-that-s-how-we-learn-and-grow/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I never believed in trying to do anything. Whatever I set out to do I found I had already accomplished.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/i-never-believed-in-trying-to-do-anything-whatever-i-set-out-to-do-i/) [Johann Wolfgang von Goethe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/) > [“ever day Maureen is Selfish To her friend and Family One she get mad at her friend and family and She need to Grad…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maureen-andeson/ever-day-maureen-is-selfish-to-her-friend-and-family-one-she-get-mad/) Maureen Andeson > [I'm trying to write a film with my friend. I'd love to get the thrill of speaking actors making my work even funnier.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/russell-howard/i-m-trying-to-write-a-film-with-my-friend-i-d-love-to-get-the-thrill/) [Russell Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/russell-howard/) > [I gave my archive to Emory University because there's a really dear friend who teaches there, Rudolph Byrd, and he's the editor.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alice-walker/i-gave-my-archive-to-emory-university-because-there-s-a-really-dear/) [Alice Walker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alice-walker/) > [Friends are like stars you can't always see them, but you know they're there.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/unknwon/friends-are-like-stars-you-can-t-always-see-them-but-you-know-they-re/) Unknwon > [I've been writing songs since I was 10 years old and always had a penchant for rhyming. I started listening to hip hop through…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hoodie-allen/i-ve-been-writing-songs-since-i-was-10-years-old-and-always-had-a/) [Hoodie Allen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hoodie-allen/) > [If you love some one for who they are not for there body or how many friend so when you say I love you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/unknow/if-you-love-some-one-for-who-they-are-not-for-there-body-or-how-many/) Unknow > [“But my best friend from college was silent for a long time. She, of all of my friends, had seen the parade of sad…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lauren-groff/but-my-best-friend-from-college-was-silent-for-a-long-time-she-of-all/) [Lauren Groff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lauren-groff/) > [You smile upon your friend to-day, To-day his ills are over; You hearken to the lover's say, And happy is the lover. 'Tis late…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/you-smile-upon-your-friend-to-day-to-day-his-ills-are-over-you/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“way. A true friend isn't the one that agrees with everything you say or do. A true friend is someone that has your back…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shameek-speight/way-a-true-friend-isn-t-the-one-that-agrees-with-everything-you-say/) [Shameek Speight](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shameek-speight/) > [No one is completely unhappy at the failure of his best friend.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/groucho-marx/no-one-is-completely-unhappy-at-the-failure-of-his-best-friend/) [Groucho Marx](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/groucho-marx/) > [“Kings don’t move mountains as a favor to a friend,”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/megan-whalen-turner/kings-don-t-move-mountains-as-a-favor-to-a-friend/) [Megan Whalen Turner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/megan-whalen-turner/) > [I have friends and family that identify as LGBTQ.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nancy-mace/i-have-friends-and-family-that-identify-as-lgbtq/) [Nancy Mace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nancy-mace/) > [“The real purpose of friendship was to discover and exploit weakness in others.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-thompson/the-real-purpose-of-friendship-was-to-discover-and-exploit-weakness/) [Brian Thompson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-thompson/) [Browse all 45,469 Friendship quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/friendship/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“How can I keep silent? 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