Suicide Quote by Eric Weiner
““In the nineteenth century, one hundred years before a country called Qatar existed, Emile Durkheim, the French sociologist, wrote of “anomic suicide.” It’s what happens when a society’s moral underpinnings are shaken. And they can be shaken, Durkheim believed, both by great disaster and by great fortune.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The World: A Brief Introduction, 2015
Durkheim described “anomic suicide” as rising when societal norms collapse, caused by disaster or extreme prosperity.
In simple terms: When social rules break down, suicide rates can increase.
Strengthen community bonds and clear moral frameworks.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- economic crises
- rapid wealth
- policy making
- public health initiatives
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies maintain stability during rapid change?
- What role do institutions play in preventing anomie?
Not all societies experience anomie equally; cultural factors matter.