Repose Quote by Vladimir Nabokov
![“In the fatal course of the most painful ailments, sometimes […], sometimes there occur sweet mornings of perfect repose- and that not owning to some blessed pill or potion […] or at least without our knowing that the loving hand of despair slipped us the drug.” quote by Vladimir Nabokov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d22/vladimir-nabokov-198_quote_in-the-fatal-course-of-the-most-painful_2045742.jpg)
““In the fatal course of the most painful ailments, sometimes […], sometimes there occur sweet mornings of perfect repose- and that not owning to some blessed pill or potion […] or at least without our knowing that the loving hand of despair slipped us the drug.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Invitation to a Beheading, 1936
Despair can feel like a drug, offering a twisted comfort that masks deeper suffering.
In simple terms: Despair sometimes feels oddly comforting.
Key Takeaway
Recognize false comforts in suffering.
Themes
psychology
existentialism
pain
Mood
melancholic
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- grief counseling
- addiction recovery
- creative writing
- philosophical debate
Key Concepts
nihilism
self‑deception
mental health
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate true solace from harmful escape?
- What role does suffering play in personal growth?
A Different Perspective
Comfort from despair may prevent seeking real help.
![“[Y]ou were too alert to the figurative possibilities of words not to see the phrase [angle of repose] as descriptive of human as well as detrital rest. As you said, it was too good for mere dirt; you tried to apply it to your own wandering and uneasy life ... I wonder if you ever reached it.” quote by Wallace Stegner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7b2/wallace-stegner-1352_life_y-ou-were-too-alert-to-the-figurative-po_96500.jpg)
![“...under no circumstances would he [Humbert Humbert] have interfered with the innocence of a child, if there was the least risk of a row.” quote by Vladimir Nabokov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0f0/vladimir-nabokov-198_children_under-no-circumstances-would-he-humbert_16228.jpg)
