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Attitude Quote by W.N.P. Barbellion

“Sometimes I think I am going mad. I live for days in the mystery and tears of things so that the commonest object, the most familiar face- even my own- become ghostly, unreal, enigmatic. I get into an attitude of almost total scepticism, nescience, solipsism, in a world of dumb, sphinx-like things…” quote by W.N.P. Barbellion
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“Sometimes I think I am going mad. I live for days in the mystery and tears of things so that the commonest object, the most familiar face- even my own- become ghostly, unreal, enigmatic. I get into an attitude of almost total scepticism, nescience, solipsism, in a world of dumb, sphinx-like things that cannot explain themselves. The discovery of how I am situated- a sentient being on a globe in space overshadows me. I wish I were just nothing.”

W.N.P. Barbellion

About This Quote

The speaker describes a profound existential crisis, feeling detached from reality and overwhelmed by the vastness of existence, leading to a desire for non‑being.

In simple terms: A deep feeling of alienation and yearning for nothingness.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and address existential distress.

Themes

existentialism alienation identity psychology

Mood

melancholic introspective

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • creative writing
  • personal diary
  • mental health reflection

Key Concepts

solipsism nihilism self‑awareness cosmic perspective

Questions to Reflect On

  • What anchors you in reality?
  • How can you find meaning amid vastness?
A Different Perspective

Existential dread can be overwhelming and isolating.

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