Anxiety Quote by Fernando Pessoa
““There are times when everything wearies us, including what we would normally find restful. Wearisome things weary us by definition, restful things by the wearying thought of procuring them. There are dejections of the soul past all anxiety and pain; I believe they're known only by those who elude human pains and anxieties and are sufficiently diplomatic with themselves to avoid even tedium. Reduced, in this way, to beings armoured against the world, it's no wonder that at a certain point in their self-awareness the whole set of armour should suddenly weigh on them and life become an inverted anxiety, a pain not suffered.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Book of Disquiet, 1913
The quote reflects on how even normally restful things become burdensome when we overthink them, leading to a deep, existential weariness that can feel like an inverted anxiety.
In simple terms: Overthinking makes rest feel burdensome, causing deep weariness.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and release overthinking to ease existential fatigue.
Themes
existential
weariness
overthinking
self-awareness
philosophy
Mood
melancholic
contemplative
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- creative work
- personal reflection
- mental health
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
nihilism
existentialism
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does overthinking transform rest into burden?
- What practices can help detach from excessive analysis?
A Different Perspective
It may ignore practical steps to alleviate anxiety, focusing only on introspection.
