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Business Quote by John Wyndham

“Until then I had always thought of loneliness as something negative—an absence of company, and, of course, something temporary... That day I had learned that it was much more. It was something which could press and oppress, could distort the ordinary and play tricks with the mind. Something which…” quote by John Wyndham
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““Until then I had always thought of loneliness as something negative—an absence of company, and, of course, something temporary... That day I had learned that it was much more. It was something which could press and oppress, could distort the ordinary and play tricks with the mind. Something which lurked inimically all around, stretching the nerves and twanging them with alarms, never letting one forget that there was no one to help, no one to care. It showed one as an atom adrift in vastness, and it waited all the time its chance to frighten and frighten horribly—that was what loneliness was really trying to do; and that was what one must never let it do...””

John Wyndham

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Day of the Triffids, 1951

Loneliness is a pervasive, oppressive force that can distort perception and amplify fear, making one feel isolated and vulnerable.

In simple terms: Loneliness can crush and distort thought.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and address isolation before it overwhelms.

Themes

loneliness isolation mental health

Mood

somber introspective

Type

literary psychological

When to use this quote

  • remote work
  • elderly living alone
  • mental health crises
  • post‑traumatic stress

Key Concepts

existential dread psychological pressure

Questions to Reflect On

  • What internal cues signal rising loneliness?
  • How can you create safe spaces for connection?
A Different Perspective

May overlook the role of social structures in alleviating loneliness.

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