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Depression Quote by Hope Mirrlees

“Master Nathaniel looked at him. The fixed stare, the slightly-open mouth, the rigid motionless body, fettered by a misery too profound for restlessness — how well he knew the state of mind these things expressed! But there must surely be relief in thus allowing the mood to mould the body's…” quote by Hope Mirrlees
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““Master Nathaniel looked at him. The fixed stare, the slightly-open mouth, the rigid motionless body, fettered by a misery too profound for restlessness — how well he knew the state of mind these things expressed! But there must surely be relief in thus allowing the mood to mould the body's attitude to its own shape. He had no need now to ask his son for explanations. He knew so well both that sense of emptiness, that drawing in of the senses (like the antennae of some creature when danger is no longer imminent, but there ), so that the physical world vanishes, while you yourself at once swell out to fill its place, and at the same time shrink to a millionth part of your former bulk, turning into a mere organ of suffering without thought and without emotions; he knew also that other phase, when one seems to be flying from days and months, like a stag from its hunters — like the fugitives, on the old tapestry, from the moon. But when it is another person who is suffering in this way, in spite of one's pity, how trivial it all seems! How certain one is of being able to expel the agony with reasoning and persuasion!””

Hope Mirrlees

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Lost World of the White City, 1925

A deep introspection on how extreme emotional states can dissolve personal identity, yet rational discourse can offer temporary relief.

In simple terms: Intense feelings can erase self, but logic can ease pain.

Key Takeaway

Use reasoning to manage overwhelming emotions.

Themes

psychology identity emotional regulation philosophy

Mood

reflective somber

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • personal crisis
  • grief
  • trauma recovery
  • conflict mediation

Key Concepts

existentialism mind-body dualism catharsis

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does reasoning change emotional pain?
  • When is logic insufficient?
A Different Perspective

Rational analysis may not fully heal profound suffering.

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