---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Contemplation of this banal maxim…"
description: "\"“Contemplation of this banal maxim increased the depression that had suddenly descended on me.”\" — Anthony Powell"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/472/anthony-powell-2659_contemplation_contemplation-of-this-banal-maxim-increa_2300629.jpg"
---

#  Contemplation of this banal maxim increased the depression…

![“Contemplation of this banal maxim increased the depression that had suddenly descended on me.” quote by Anthony Powell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/472/anthony-powell-2659_contemplation_contemplation-of-this-banal-maxim-increa_2300629.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/472/anthony-powell-2659_contemplation_contemplation-of-this-banal-maxim-increa_2300629.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/472/anthony-powell-2659_contemplation_contemplation-of-this-banal-maxim-increa_2300629.jpg)

> ““Contemplation of this banal maxim increased the depression that had suddenly descended on me.””

[Anthony Powell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anthony-powell/)

## About This Quote

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

The narrator’s reflection on a trite saying deepens his melancholy, showing how overthinking can amplify sadness.

**In simple terms:** Thinking about a cliché made his sadness worse.

Key Takeaway

Avoid ruminating on empty sayings.

Themes

sadness reflection overthinking

Mood

melancholy introspective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

- personal journaling
- therapy sessions
- creative writing
- mindfulness practice

Key Concepts

existentialism cognitive bias

Questions to Reflect On

- How do you notice clichés affecting your mood?
- Can you reframe a banal maxim positively?

A Different Perspective

The quote may exaggerate the impact of a single thought on mood.

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[Contemplation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/contemplation/) [Depression](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/depression/) [Meditation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/meditation/)

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