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I wish I was more cheerful, it is more pleasant, Also it is a duty, we should smile as well as submitting To the purpose of One Above who is experimenting With various mixtures of human character which goes best, All is interesting for him it is exciting, but not for us. There I go again. Smile, smile, and get some work to do Then you will be practically unconscious without positively having to go.

Stevie Smith#3

CopingDutySufferingSurvivalWork

About this quote

What does it mean?
Smiling is a duty to an experimenting Higher Being; doing work makes you unconscious without needing to hide.
In plain terms
Smile and work to stay busy and unconscious.
What can you take from it?
Duty and work can numb suffering.

Where it applies

  • depression coping
  • existential dread
  • social expectation

Putting it to work

  • use work as distraction
  • acknowledge duty

Questions to consider

  • Is numbness a valid coping mechanism?
  • Who decides your duty?

Another view

It suggests suppression is better than expression.

More from Stevie Smith

  1. Oh, no no no, it was too cold always (Still the dead one lay moaning) I was much too far out all my life And not waving but drowning.

    Permalink to quote #2
  2. Was he married, did he try To support as he grew less fond of them Wife and family?

    Permalink to quote #4
  3. This Englishwoman is so refined She has no bosom and no behind.

    Permalink to quote #1

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