Bird Quote by Nicole Krauss
““2. WHAT I AM NOT My brother and I used to play a game. I'd point to a chair. "THIS IS NOT A CHAIR," I'd say. Bird would point to the table. "THIS IS NOT A TABLE." "THIS IS NOT A WALL," I'd say. "THAT IS NOT A CEILING." We'd go on like that. "IT IS NOT RAINING OUT." "MY SHOE IS NOT UNTIED!" Bird would yell. I'd point to my elbow. "THIS IS NOT A SCRAPE." Bird would lift his knee. "THIS IS ALSO NOT A SCRAPE!" "THAT IS NOT A KETTLE!" "NOT A CUP!" "NOT A SPOON!" "NOT DIRTY DISHES!" We denied whole rooms, years, weathers. Once, at the peak of our shouting, Bird took a deep breath. At the top of his lungs, he shrieked: "I! HAVE NOT! BEEN! UNHAPPY! MY WHOLE! LIFE!" "But you're only seven," I said.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The History of Love by Nicole Krauss, 2005
Children use denial to cope with fear, but it can mask deeper unhappiness.
In simple terms: Denial hides true feelings.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and express real emotions.
Themes
denial
family
emotions
communication
childhood
Mood
reflective
somber
introspective
Type
narrative
emotional
psychological
When to use this quote
- family discussions
- therapy sessions
- self‑reflection
- teaching children emotional honesty
Key Concepts
psychology
coping mechanisms
identity formation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does denial affect long‑term wellbeing?
- When is denial useful?
A Different Perspective
Denial may protect temporarily but can prevent growth.
![“‘And what about a [band] name?’ said Tony [Iommi]. The three of us looked at each other. ‘We should all take a couple of days to think about it,’ I said. ‘I dunno about you two, but I’ve got a special place where I go to get ideas for important stuff like this. It’s never failed me yet.’…” quote by Ozzy Osbourne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/346/ozzy-osbourne-685_getting-along_and-what-about-a-band-name-said-tony-iom_2448243.jpg)
