Life Quote by Lydia Davis
““Maybe I had been alone in that apartment so much by then that I had retreated into some kind of inner, unsociable space that was hard to come out of. Maybe I felt I had disappeared and I was comfortable that way and did not want to be forced back into existence. I don't know.””
About This Quote
Source Short Story Collection “The End of the World” by Lydia Davis, 1994
Isolation can become a self‑chosen exile, making re‑entry to life feel daunting and unclear.
In simple terms: Isolation may feel like a safe retreat.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when withdrawal hinders growth.
Themes
isolation
identity
existential
psychology
Mood
melancholic
contemplative
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- mental health therapy
- creative writing
- personal reflection
- social reintegration
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
literature
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “existence” mean to you?
- How can you gently re‑engage with life?
A Different Perspective
Returning may cause anxiety about losing comfort.
![“I worked more intensively hour after hour when I was starting out [writing]. More laboriously. I'd say quantity is important as well as quality, and if you're not producing enough, make a schedule and stick to it.” quote by Lydia Davis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/29b/lydia-davis-3244_after-hours_i-worked-more-intensively-hour-after-hou_171566.jpg)
