Asks Quote by Kobo Abe
“Many people ask why a writer commits suicide. But I think that people who ask don't know the vanity and the nothingness of writing. I think it is very usual and natural for a writer to commit suicide, because in order to keep on writing he must be a very strong person.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: “The Man Who Was Early” (hypothetical), 1970
Writing’s emptiness and vanity can drive writers toward suicide, reflecting the intense personal cost of artistic pursuit.
In simple terms: Writing can feel empty and deadly.
Key Takeaway
Recognize mental health risks in creative work.
Themes
mental health
artistic pressure
existential dread
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
literary
cautionary
When to use this quote
- author workshops
- therapy
- support groups
- publishing industry
Key Concepts
vanity
nihilism
creative burnout
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you support writers’ wellbeing?
- What alternatives exist to self‑destruction?
A Different Perspective
Not all writers face suicide; many find fulfillment.
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