Again and again Quote by Samuel Butler
“Cat-Ideas and Mouse-Ideas. We can never get rid of mouse-ideas completely, they keep turning up again and again, and nibble, nibble-no matter how often we drive them off. The best way to keep them down is to have a few good strong cat-ideas which will embrace them and ensure their not reappearing till they do so in another shape.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Way of All Flesh” (unfinished), 1883
Ideas that persist despite attempts to discard them can be managed by stronger, constructive thoughts that transform them.
In simple terms: Persistent thoughts need stronger, positive ideas to reshape them.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate strong, positive ideas to transform lingering thoughts.
Themes
psychology
self‑improvement
thought‑management
Mood
reflective
determined
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- habit change
- stress coping
- creative problem solving
Key Concepts
cognitive restructuring
mindfulness
resilience
Questions to Reflect On
- What lingering thoughts could be reframed by stronger ideas?
- How can you nurture “cat‑ideas” daily?
A Different Perspective
Strong ideas may not fully eliminate old patterns, only reframe them.
