Commit Quote by Murray Gell-Mann
“I thought of killing myself but soon decided that I could always try MIT and then kill myself later if it was that bad but that I couldn't commit suicide and then try MIT afterwards. The two operations, suicide and going to MIT, don't commute.”
About This Quote
The speaker jokes that suicide and attending MIT are mutually exclusive actions that cannot be reordered, highlighting a dark humor about procrastination and self‑destruction.
In simple terms: Suicide and MIT cannot be swapped; the speaker jokes about delaying death.
Recognize the seriousness behind dark jokes and seek help.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- college decisions
- mental health crises
- self‑harm ideation
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What underlying feelings drive this joke?
- How can you address the real distress behind it?
The humor may downplay genuine suicidal thoughts, risking misunderstanding.