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Break Quote by May Sarton

“I feel like an inadequate machine, a machine that breaks down at crucial moments, grinds to a dreadful hault, 'won't go,' or, even worse, explodes in some innocent person's face.” quote by May Sarton
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“I feel like an inadequate machine, a machine that breaks down at crucial moments, grinds to a dreadful hault, 'won't go,' or, even worse, explodes in some innocent person's face.”

May Sarton

About This Quote

Source Poem: The Unfinished, by May Sarton, 1975

The speaker feels unreliable, fearing failure and catastrophic breakdowns at critical times.

In simple terms: Fear of breaking down when needed most.

Key Takeaway

Accept vulnerability and seek support.

Themes

self‑doubt fragility performance anxiety

Mood

anxious reflective

Type

personal confessional

When to use this quote

  • public speaking
  • high‑stakes projects
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

existential angst self‑criticism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you prepare for moments of potential failure?
  • What support systems can you build?
A Different Perspective

Reliance on others may be necessary to mitigate risk.

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