---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We might never rid ourselves of a…"
description: "\"“We might never rid ourselves of a lingering anxiety regarding our death; this is a kind of tax we pay in return for self-awareness.”\" — Derren Brown"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6f1/derren-brown-3112_anxiety_we-might-never-rid-ourselves-of-a-linger_1826654.jpg"
---

#  We might never rid ourselves of a lingering anxiety…

![“We might never rid ourselves of a lingering anxiety regarding our death; this is a kind of tax we pay in return for self-awareness.” quote by Derren Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6f1/derren-brown-3112_anxiety_we-might-never-rid-ourselves-of-a-linger_1826654.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6f1/derren-brown-3112_anxiety_we-might-never-rid-ourselves-of-a-linger_1826654.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6f1/derren-brown-3112_anxiety_we-might-never-rid-ourselves-of-a-linger_1826654.jpg)

> ““We might never rid ourselves of a lingering anxiety regarding our death; this is a kind of tax we pay in return for self-awareness.””

[Derren Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/derren-brown/)

## About This Quote

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

Highlights that awareness of mortality imposes a psychological cost, prompting deeper self‑knowledge.

**In simple terms:** Thinking of death sharpens self‑awareness.

Key Takeaway

Embrace mortality to understand yourself.

Themes

mortality self‑awareness psychology existentialism

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

- therapy sessions
- creative writing
- spiritual practice
- life planning

Key Concepts

tax of awareness consciousness personal growth

Questions to Reflect On

- What does mortality teach you about living?
- How can you use this awareness positively?

A Different Perspective

Focusing on death may cause anxiety.

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[Anxiety](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/anxiety/) [Death](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/death/) [Self Awareness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self-awareness-3/) [Stoicism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stoicism/) [Taxes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/taxes/)

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