Clifford Whittingham Beers Quotes & Sayings

Most sane people think that no insane person can reason logically. But this is not so. — Clifford Whittingham Beers

Many a suicide might be averted if the person contemplating it could find the proper assistance when such a crisis impends. — Clifford Whittingham Beers

Not a few patients, however, suffering from certain forms of mental disorder, regain a high degree of insight into their mental condition in what might be termed a flash of divine enlightenment. — Clifford Whittingham Beers

For of what account are Truth and Love when Life itself has ceased to seem desirable? — Clifford Whittingham Beers

To be on the safe and humane side, let every relative and friend ... remember the golden rule, which has never been suspended with respect to the insane. Go to see them, treat them sanely, write to them, keep them informed about the home circle; let not your devotion flag, nor accept any repulse. — Clifford Whittingham Beers

After all, delusions of grandeur are the most entertaining of toys. — Clifford Whittingham Beers

They thought I was stubborn. In the strict sense of the word there is no such thing as a stubborn insane person...When one possessed of the power of recognizing his own errors continues to hold an unreasonable belief-that is stubbornness. But for a man bereft of reason to adhere to an idea which to him seems absolutely correct and true because he has been deprived of the means of detecting his error- that is not stubbornness. It is a symptom of his disease, and merits the indulgence of forbearance, if not genuine sympathy. — Clifford Whittingham Beers

To leave behind what was in reality a hell, and immediately have this good green earth revealed in more glory than most men ever see it, was one of the compensating privileges which make me feel that my suffering was worthwhile. — Clifford Whittingham Beers