D. H. Lawrence: 'One sheds one's sicknesses in books - repeats and presents again one's emotions, to be master of them.'

One sheds one's sicknesses in books - repeats and presents again one's emotions, to be master of them.

In his famous quote, "One sheds one's sicknesses in books - repeats and presents again one's emotions, to be master of them," D. H. Lawrence encapsulates the therapeutic power of literature. He suggests that through reading and writing, individuals can liberate themselves from the burden of their emotions and gain mastery over them. This quote underscores the significance of books as a medium for self-reflection, introspection, and emotional growth.Lawrence's words resonate with many readers who have found solace and healing within the pages of a book. When we encounter characters who face similar trials, hardships, or emotions, we are not alone in our experiences. Books offer us a mirror, reflecting our emotions and struggles back to us, allowing us to make sense of our own internal world. In this sense, literature becomes a form of catharsis, enabling us to navigate our emotions by embracing them through the stories we read.Moreover, the act of writing about our emotions, whether in journals, poetry, or fiction, can be profoundly therapeutic. Lawrence suggests that in repeating and presenting our emotions through writing, we can analyze and evaluate them objectively. By externalizing our thoughts and feelings, we detach ourselves from their immediate impact, granting us the opportunity to explore and understand them more deeply. Writing enables us to process and make sense of our experiences, paving the way for emotional growth and self-mastery.However, beyond the straightforward interpretation of Lawrence's quote, there is an unexpected philosophical concept that deepens its significance. This concept explores the idea that by shedding our sicknesses in books and mastering our emotions, we can transcend our individual struggles and tap into a collective consciousness.Imagine a world where every individual's emotions and experiences are recorded in books for future generations to read. These books become the archives of human emotions, forming a collective repository of shared experiences. Through this collective consciousness, readers can connect with others who have gone through similar struggles, finding solace in knowing they are not alone.This concept echoes the philosophy of Carl Jung, who proposed the existence of the collective unconscious—a reservoir of shared experiences and symbols that transcends individual egos. Jung believed that individuals could tap into this vast collective reservoir through dreams, myths, and archetypal symbols. In the context of Lawrence's quote, we can view books as a tangible manifestation of the collective unconscious, offering a bridge between our individual emotions and the shared experiences of humanity.When we read books, we connect with the thoughts and emotions of people who may have lived centuries ago or in distant lands. Through literature, we venture beyond the boundaries of our own lives, expanding our understanding of the human condition. By shedding our sicknesses in books and mastering our emotions, we not only confront our personal struggles but also tap into a universal tapestry of human experiences, forming a profound connection with humanity's collective wisdom.In conclusion, D. H. Lawrence's quote, "One sheds one's sicknesses in books - repeats and presents again one's emotions, to be master of them," highlights the therapeutic power of literature. Books provide a safe space for readers to confront and make sense of their emotions, offering solace and healing. Through writing, individuals can externalize their emotions, enabling a deeper understanding and mastery over them. Moreover, the unexpected concept of tapping into a collective consciousness through literature adds an intriguing dimension to Lawrence's quote. By shedding our sicknesses in books and connecting with shared experiences, we can transcend our individual struggles and forge a meaningful connection with the collective wisdom of humanity.

Previous
Previous

D. H. Lawrence: 'Men always do leave off really thinking, when the last bit of wild animal dies in them.'

Next
Next

D. H. Lawrence: 'The cruelest thing a man can do to a woman is to portray her as perfection.'