Staying alive Quote by Mike Darigan
““I wanted to tell him to wake up before it was too late, but I no longer feel a responsibility to people who are so willing to die having done nothing they wanted to do, having lived for others who never cared any way, muddling along, waiting for a grave to open. My life means infinitely more to me than that. I decided to do what I want, to follow my beliefs no matter what it takes or what I must suffer, lose, abandon. Today I became more of that Xavier persona than ever before. I felt so confident in my self, so self-assured that I didn't care whether those listening to me thought I was crazy, because to me, living in illusions is crazy, staying alive just to eat, screw and work is crazy. I am the sane one, the way I see it now. They asked me what I believed. I said, 'I believe that I can do anything, that I am a product of all that I have thought, that I create my reality and am constantly exploring for ways to make radical changes in my life, by the use of my mind, my behavior -- my actions.' I just gave them a little taste, but they didn't look at me with the look of 'this guy is crazy.' they seemed to be astounded that I would say those things aloud.””
About This Quote
The speaker rejects societal expectations, choosing self‑determination and radical personal change despite others’ judgments.
In simple terms: Live for yourself, not others
Pursue authentic goals despite criticism.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- career change
- creative projects
- health transformation
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What values guide your choices?
- How do you balance self‑interest with responsibility?
Ignoring community can lead to isolation.