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Anguish of mind has driven thousands to suicide; anguish of body, none. This proves that the health of the mind is of far more consequence to our happiness than the health of the body, although both are deserving of much more attention than either of them receive.
Charles Caleb Colton
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Mental health is crucial for happiness, often more so than physical health.

This quote emphasizes the importance of mental well-being over physical health when it comes to overall happiness. It suggests that suffering from mental anguish can lead to extreme consequences, such as suicide, while physical pain, although significant, does not usually lead to such dire outcomes. Colton argues that society tends to overlook the importance of mental health despite its immense impact on our lives.

Themes

Mental HealthHappinessAnguishMindBody

In practice

Example use cases

During a mental health awareness seminar, quoting this could highlight the importance of addressing psychological issues.

More from Charles Caleb Colton

Nothing is more durable than the dynasty of Doubt; for he reigns in the hearts of all his people, but gives satisfaction to none of them, and yet he is the only despot who can never die, while any of his subjects live.
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It is astonishing how much more people are interested in lengthening life than improving it.
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The benevolent have the advantage of the envious, even in this present life; for the envious man is tormented not only by all the ill that befalls himself, but by all the good that happens to another; whereas the benevolent man is the better prepared to bear his own calamities unruffled, from the complacency and serenity he has secured from contemplating the prosperity of all around him.
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Happiness, that grand mistress of the ceremonies in the dance of life, impels us through all its mazes and meanderings, but leads none of us by the same route.
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Our minds are as different as our faces. We are all traveling to one destination: happiness, but few are going by the same road.
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Moderation is the inseparable companion of wisdom, but with it genius has not even a nodding acquaintance.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead

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