--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Let me ask you outright, gentle reader…" description: "\"Let me ask you outright, gentle reader, if there have not been hours, indeed whole days and weeks of your life, during which all your usual activities ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aa1/anonymous-1_books_let-me-ask-you-outright-gentle-reader-if_2420729.jpg" --- # Let me ask you outright, gentle reader, if there have not… ![“Let me ask you outright, gentle reader, if there have not been hours, indeed whole days and weeks of your life, during which all your usual activities were painfully repugnant, and everything you believed in and valued seemed foolish and worthless?” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aa1/anonymous-1_books_let-me-ask-you-outright-gentle-reader-if_2420729.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aa1/anonymous-1_books_let-me-ask-you-outright-gentle-reader-if_2420729.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aa1/anonymous-1_books_let-me-ask-you-outright-gentle-reader-if_2420729.jpg) > “Let me ask you outright, gentle reader, if there have not been hours, indeed whole days and weeks of your life, during which all your usual activities were painfully repugnant, and everything you believed in and valued seemed foolish and worthless?” [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 passage describes intense periods where daily life feels unbearable and core values seem meaningless, highlighting existential crisis. **In simple terms:** Sometimes life feels hopeless and values feel empty. Key Takeaway Seek meaning beyond routine. Themes existential crisis disillusionment mental health Mood somber reflective Type philosophical psychological When to use this quote - career burnout - relationship breakdown - health crisis - major life transition Key Concepts nihilism psychological distress search for purpose Questions to Reflect On - What triggers your sense of meaninglessness? - How can you reconnect with your values? A Different Perspective Recovery may require professional help or support networks. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) [Foolish](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/foolish/) [Foolish Worthless](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/foolish-worthless-6126214/) [Gentle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gentle/) [Hours](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hours/) [Let me](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/let-me/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Painfully Repugnant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/painfully-repugnant-6126216/) [Reader](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reader/) [Repugnant Believed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/repugnant-believed-6126217/) [Usual](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/usual/) [Valued Foolish](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/valued-foolish-6126215/) [Week](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/week/) [Worthless](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/worthless/) ## Related quotes > [Freinds are like pennies. . . two face +worthless!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/freinds-are-like-pennies-two-face-worthless/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Some friends are like pennies. Just two-faced and worthless.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/some-friends-are-like-pennies-just-two-faced-and-worthless/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Going out of style isn't a natural process, but a manipulated change which destroys the beauty of last year's dress in order to make…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/going-out-of-style-isn-t-a-natural-process-but-a-manipulated-change/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“He who knows nothing, loves nothing. He who can do nothing understands nothing. He who understands nothing is worthless.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/he-who-knows-nothing-loves-nothing-he-who-can-do-nothing-understands/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“The vast majority of so-called research turned out in the modern university is essentially worthless.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-vast-majority-of-so-called-research-turned-out-in-the-modern/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Socialists make the mistake of confusing individual worth with success. They believe you cannot allow people to succeed in case those who fail feel…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/socialists-make-the-mistake-of-confusing-individual-worth-with/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Attention seekers are worthless!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/attention-seekers-are-worthless/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [When you ask me how I am, I could tell you a lot.I could tell you how I hate myself. How I look into…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/when-you-ask-me-how-i-am-i-could-tell-you-a-lot-i-could-tell-you-how/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Your yearbook is now worthless with my signature.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/your-yearbook-is-now-worthless-with-my-signature/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [There is no such thing as a worthless conversation, provided you know what to listen for. And questions are the breath of life for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/there-is-no-such-thing-as-a-worthless-conversation-provided-you-know/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I'm sick of feeling worthless all the time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-m-sick-of-feeling-worthless-all-the-time/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I'm just a no-good, scum sucking, nose picking, boot licking, sniveling, groveling, worthless hunk of slime.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-m-just-a-no-good-scum-sucking-nose-picking-boot-licking-sniveling/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Worthless, you say. Does this make sense? To go to such a great expense If I have no worth Then why on earth?”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/worthless-you-say-does-this-make-sense-to-go-to-such-a-great-expense/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Rough diamonds may sometimes be mistaken for worthless pebbles.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/rough-diamonds-may-sometimes-be-mistaken-for-worthless-pebbles/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Friends are like pennys their two faced and worthless](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/friends-are-like-pennys-their-two-faced-and-worthless/) [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 Books quotes > [I think a new world will arise out of the religious mists when we approach our Bible with the idea that it is not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aiden-wilson-tozer/i-think-a-new-world-will-arise-out-of-the-religious-mists-when-we/) [Aiden Wilson Tozer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aiden-wilson-tozer/) > [If I had a dollar for every time I couldn’t sleep, I could buy a billion locks and finally read a book in peace.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aesop-rock/if-i-had-a-dollar-for-every-time-i-couldn-t-sleep-i-could-buy-a/) [Aesop Rock](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aesop-rock/) > [If what I write is literature, I guess you'd better emphasize the 'litter.'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lydia-lunch/if-what-i-write-is-literature-i-guess-you-d-better-emphasize-the/) [Lydia Lunch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lydia-lunch/) > [My sentences got sharper and my stories more efficient, and I gradually learned to imagine the reader more clearly and to empathize with that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karen-thompson-walker/my-sentences-got-sharper-and-my-stories-more-efficient-and-i/) [Karen Thompson Walker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karen-thompson-walker/) > [Young men, especially in America, write to me and ask me to recommend “a course of reading.” Distrust a course of reading! People who…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-lang/young-men-especially-in-america-write-to-me-and-ask-me-to-recommend-a/) [Andrew Lang](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-lang/) > [“Within the pages of books, I've journeyed to Mandalay, the Milky Way and Santa Fe, without once having to leave my armchair.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-ansbro/within-the-pages-of-books-i-ve-journeyed-to-mandalay-the-milky-way/) [Kevin Ansbro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-ansbro/) > [The Rosary is the book of the blind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fulton-j-sheen/the-rosary-is-the-book-of-the-blind/) [Fulton J. Sheen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fulton-j-sheen/) > [“Tacitus did not write a most dangerous book. His readers made it so.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-k-krebs/tacitus-did-not-write-a-most-dangerous-book-his-readers-made-it-so/) [Christopher K. Krebs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-k-krebs/) > [“Take some books and read; that’s an immense help; and books are always good company if you have the right sort.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louisa-may-alcott/take-some-books-and-read-that-s-an-immense-help-and-books-are-always/) [Louisa May Alcott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louisa-may-alcott/) > [Reader, if you are gifted with nerves like mine, aspire to any character but that of a wit.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-lamb/reader-if-you-are-gifted-with-nerves-like-mine-aspire-to-any/) [Charles Lamb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-lamb/) > [I have many who keep me going, I am very fortunate in this sense. There is nothing like a child who knows more about…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/floyd-cooper/i-have-many-who-keep-me-going-i-am-very-fortunate-in-this-sense-there/) [Floyd Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/floyd-cooper/) > [I think books in which people are really happy and things are going well are probably the most challenging novels there are to write,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anna-quindlen/i-think-books-in-which-people-are-really-happy-and-things-are-going/) [Anna Quindlen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anna-quindlen/) > [It's like the query letter problem that I just mentioned, magnified a hundredfold. You might be good at telling a story, but that doesn't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-rothfuss/it-s-like-the-query-letter-problem-that-i-just-mentioned-magnified-a/) [Patrick Rothfuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-rothfuss/) > [“Be careful about reading health books. Some fine day you'll die of a misprint.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/markus-herz/be-careful-about-reading-health-books-some-fine-day-you-ll-die-of-a/) [Markus Herz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/markus-herz/) > [But editors are still the world's readers. And thus the eyes of the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/betsy-lerner/but-editors-are-still-the-world-s-readers-and-thus-the-eyes-of-the/) [Betsy Lerner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/betsy-lerner/) [Browse all 59,485 Books quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Let me ask you outright, gentle reader, if there have not been hours, indeed whole days and weeks of your life, during which all your usual activities were painfully repugnant, and everything you believed in and valued seemed foolish and worthless?", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Anonymous" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/let-me-ask-you-outright-gentle-reader-if-there-have-not-been-hours/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Books" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/let-me-ask-you-outright-gentle-reader-if-there-have-not-been-hours/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aa1/anonymous-1_books_let-me-ask-you-outright-gentle-reader-if_2420729.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aa1/anonymous-1_books_let-me-ask-you-outright-gentle-reader-if_2420729.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aa1/anonymous-1_books_let-me-ask-you-outright-gentle-reader-if_2420729.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Let me ask you outright, gentle reader, if there have not been hours, indeed whole days and weeks of your…” — Anonymous", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Anonymous", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Let me ask you outright, gentle...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/let-me-ask-you-outright-gentle-reader-if-there-have-not-been-hours/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/let-me-ask-you-outright-gentle-reader-if-there-have-not-been-hours/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```