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Change Quote by W.H. Auden

“We would rather be ruined than changed. We would rather die in our dread than climb the cross of the moment and see our illusions die.” quote by W.H. Auden
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““We would rather be ruined than changed. We would rather die in our dread than climb the cross of the moment and see our illusions die.””

W.H. Auden

About This Quote

Source Poem: “The Shield of Achilles” (1939)

People prefer staying in familiar fear rather than confronting painful truths that could free them.

In simple terms: Fear of change beats confronting illusion.

Key Takeaway

Embrace discomfort to grow.

Themes

psychology change illusion

Mood

reflective melancholic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • therapy
  • career change
  • relationship counseling

Key Concepts

fear avoidance personal growth cognitive dissonance

Questions to Reflect On

  • What illusion are you clinging to?
  • How can you face fear without being overwhelmed?
A Different Perspective

Change is painful and may be resisted.

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