---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The best thing—in Shadow's opinion…"
description: "\"The best thing—in Shadow's opinion, perhaps the only good thing—about being in prison was a feeling of relief. The feeling that he'd plunged as low as ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1f2/neil-gaiman-29_american-gods_the-best-thing-in-shadow-s-opinion-perha_2126659.jpg"
---

#  The best thing—in Shadow's opinion, perhaps the only good…

![“The best thing—in Shadow's opinion, perhaps the only good thing—about being in prison was a feeling of relief. The feeling that he'd plunged as low as he could plunge and he'd hit bottom. He didn't worry that the man was going to get him, because the man had got him. He was no longer scared of…” quote by Neil Gaiman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1f2/neil-gaiman-29_american-gods_the-best-thing-in-shadow-s-opinion-perha_2126659.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1f2/neil-gaiman-29_american-gods_the-best-thing-in-shadow-s-opinion-perha_2126659.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1f2/neil-gaiman-29_american-gods_the-best-thing-in-shadow-s-opinion-perha_2126659.jpg)

> “The best thing—in Shadow's opinion, perhaps the only good thing—about being in prison was a feeling of relief. The feeling that he'd plunged as low as he could plunge and he'd hit bottom. He didn't worry that the man was going to get him, because the man had got him. He was no longer scared of what tomorrow might bring, because yesterday had brought it.”

[Neil Gaiman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neil-gaiman/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Prison can bring a paradoxical sense of relief by reaching a personal low, removing fear of the unknown.

**In simple terms:** Bottoming out can bring peace.

Key Takeaway

Accept low points as opportunities for calm.

Themes

psychology resilience acceptance

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

- personal crises
- mental health recovery
- career setbacks
- relationship breakdowns

Key Concepts

existentialism mental health self-awareness

Questions to Reflect On

- What lows have given you clarity?
- How can you turn a low point into growth?

A Different Perspective

Relief may be temporary and not solve underlying issues.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

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