Skip to content

Depression Quote by Lorrie Moore

“In the Dictionary 'lumpy jaw' comes just before 'lunacy,' but in life there are no such clues. Suddenly, for no reason, you might start to dribble from the mouth, to howl peevishly at the moon. You might start quoting your mother, out loud and with conviction. You might lose your friends to the…” quote by Lorrie Moore
Download Open image
““In the Dictionary 'lumpy jaw' comes just before 'lunacy,' but in life there are no such clues. Suddenly, for no reason, you might start to dribble from the mouth, to howl peevishly at the moon. You might start quoting your mother, out loud and with conviction. You might lose your friends to the most uninspired of deaths. You might one day wake up and find yourself teaching at a community college; there will have been nothing to warn you. You might say things to your students like, There is only one valid theme in literature: Life will disappoint you.””

Lorrie Moore

About This Quote

Source Short story collection: “Self-Help” by Lorrie Moore, 2001

Life is unpredictable; events happen without warning, challenging expectations and forcing adaptation.

In simple terms: Life can change suddenly and without warning.

Key Takeaway

Embrace uncertainty and stay adaptable.

Themes

uncertainty change adaptation expectation disappointment

Mood

reflective melancholic hopeful

Type

literary philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • career shifts
  • personal loss
  • teaching
  • creative writing
  • mental health

Key Concepts

existentialism absurdity narrative self‑reflection

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you respond when plans fall apart?
  • What habits help you stay grounded amid chaos?
A Different Perspective

Life’s randomness can cause anxiety and feeling of loss of control.

2.2 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Lorrie Moore

Explore all 340 Lorrie Moore quotes

More Depression quotes

Browse all 4,965 Depression quotes