Aspirin Quote by John Dos Passos
“A novel is a commodity that fulfills a certain need; people need to buy daydreams like they need to buy ice cream or aspirin or gin. They even need to buy a pinch of intellectual catnip now and then to liven up their thoughts...”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Big Money, John Dos Passos, 1936
People purchase escapism and mental stimulation like everyday consumables to satisfy emotional and intellectual cravings.
In simple terms: People buy daydreams and ideas like ice cream.
Key Takeaway
Seek stories that refresh your mind.
Themes
escapism
consumerism
literature
psychology
Mood
reflective
contemplative
Type
literary
observational
When to use this quote
- reading for pleasure
- creative brainstorming
- stress relief
- social bonding
Key Concepts
need for mental stimulation
cultural consumption
Questions to Reflect On
- What does your mind crave today?
- How do you balance escapism with reality?
A Different Perspective
Not all purchases lead to lasting fulfillment.
![“Nancy [Kassebaum] and I worked on a women's health agenda when I first came. Women were not included in the protocols at NIH, the famous study, 'take an aspirin a day, keep the doctor, you know, a heart attack away.' It was done on ten thousand male medical students.” quote by Barbara Mikulski](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/200/barbara-mikulski-8601_agendas_nancy-kassebaum-and-i-worked-on-a-women_275749.jpg)
