Coffin Quote by Herman Melville
““Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth; whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul; whenever I find myself involuntarily pausing before coffin warehouses, and bringing up the rear of every funeral I meet; and especially when my hypos get such an upper hand of me, that it requires a strong moral principle to prevent me from deliberately stepping into the street, and methodically knocking people's hats off- then, I account it high time to get to a bookstore as soon as I can. That is my substitute for the pistol and ball.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Moby‑Dick by Herman Melville, 1851
When despair overwhelms, the narrator seeks refuge in books, using reading as a healthier outlet than self‑destruction.
In simple terms: He prefers a bookstore to a gun when depressed.
Key Takeaway
Turn to literature in dark moments.
Themes
despair
coping
literature
mental health
Mood
hopeful
introspective
Type
self‑help
literary
When to use this quote
- midnight loneliness
- creative crisis
- seeking solace
Key Concepts
self‑medication
creative escape
Questions to Reflect On
- What other healthy habits can replace harmful urges?
- How does reading change your mood?
A Different Perspective
Books cannot solve all problems.
