Afraid Quote by William Somerset Maugham
““Sometimes, when I’m alone.” He looked at Philip. “You think that’s a condemnation? You’re wrong. I’m not afraid of my fear. It’s folly, the Christian argument that you should live always in view of your death. The only way to live is to forget that you’re going to die. Death is unimportant. The fear of it should never influence a single action of the wise man. I know that I shall die struggling for breath, and I know that I shall be horribly afraid. I know that I shall not be able to keep myself from regretting bitterly the life that has brought me to such a pass; but I disown that regret. I now, weak, old, diseased, poor, dying, hold still my soul in my hands, and I regret nothing.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: “The Razor’s Edge” by William Somerset Maugham, 1944
The speaker rejects fear of death, urging living without being dominated by mortality, embracing action despite inevitable suffering.
In simple terms: Live without letting death fear dictate actions.
Key Takeaway
Act boldly, ignoring death’s shadow.
Themes
mortality
fear
action
wisdom
Mood
serene
determined
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- health crises
- old age
- creative work
- ethical decisions
Key Concepts
existentialism
stoicism
acceptance
Questions to Reflect On
- What would you change if you truly ignored death?
- Can fear of death ever be constructive?
A Different Perspective
Denial of death can lead to reckless behavior.
