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Past Quote by Neil Gaiman

“And what we learn about ourselves in those moments, where the trigger has been squeezed, is this: the past is not dead. There are things that wait for us, patiently, in the dark corridors of our lives. We think we have moved on, put them out of mind, left them to desiccate and shrivel and blow…” quote by Neil Gaiman
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““And what we learn about ourselves in those moments, where the trigger has been squeezed, is this: the past is not dead. There are things that wait for us, patiently, in the dark corridors of our lives. We think we have moved on, put them out of mind, left them to desiccate and shrivel and blow away; but we are wrong. They have been wait~ ing there in the darkness, working out, practicing their most vicious blows, their sharp hard thoughtless punches into the gut, killing time until we came back that way.””

Neil Gaiman

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Sandman, 1990s

Past traumas linger unseen, shaping present reactions and resurfacing when triggered.

In simple terms: Unresolved past hurts can reappear unexpectedly.

Key Takeaway

Acknowledge and process old wounds.

Themes

psychology memory trauma selfawareness

Mood

reflective somber introspective

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal therapy
  • relationship counseling
  • creative writing
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

repressed memories inner conflict healing

Questions to Reflect On

  • What hidden past influences your current behavior?
  • How can you safely confront lingering trauma?
A Different Perspective

Ignoring past pain can cause it to erupt later.

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