Death Quote by Walker Percy
““he believed that there is no end to the mischief and hatred which men harbor deep in themselves and unknown to themselves and no end to their capacity to deceive themselves and that though they loved life, they probably loved death more and in the end thanatos would likely win over eros .””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Moviegoer, 1961
Human nature harbors hidden mischief, hatred, self‑deception, and a paradoxical love of life and death, with death ultimately prevailing.
In simple terms: People conceal darkness and self‑deceive, often preferring death over life.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and confront inner darkness.
Themes
psychology
existentialism
self‑deception
mortality
duality
Mood
thought‑provoking
somber
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- literary analysis
- personal introspection
- death education workshops
Key Concepts
human nature
philosophical insight
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you feel life or death is more compelling?
- How can self‑deception be reduced?
A Different Perspective
May overgeneralize human motives.
![“[In art] you are telling the reader or the listener or the viewer something he already knows but which he doesn't quite know that he knows, so that in the action of communication he experiences a recognition, a feeling that he has been there before, a shock of recognition.” quote by Walker Percy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3f1/walker-percy-1958_action_in-art-you-are-telling-the-reader-or-the_116938.jpg)
