“With the fearful strain that is on me night and day, if I did not laugh I should die.”
- February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865
- American
- The 16th President of the United States, Politician, lawyer
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Quote
“With the fearful strain that is on me night and day, if I did not laugh I should die.”
Explanation
This quote speaks to the immense emotional and psychological stress the speaker is under, suggesting that laughter is a coping mechanism—a way to endure what would otherwise be unbearable. The speaker acknowledges the overwhelming pressure they face on a constant basis (“night and day”) and implies that the ability to laugh, despite the fear and strain, is a critical survival tool. The quote suggests that humor or a light-hearted perspective can be a form of resilience, allowing an individual to maintain their sanity and humanity in the face of extreme stress.
In its historical context, the quote could reflect the experiences of leaders like Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War, where the pressures of war, loss, and national division were immense. Lincoln was known for his wit and humor, often using it to lighten the mood or to cope with his own personal burdens, including the weight of the nation’s crisis. For someone in a position of great responsibility, such as a war leader or president, the psychological toll of constant decision-making and the awareness of lives at stake could be overwhelming, making humor a necessary release.
In modern times, this idea resonates with how people use humor to cope with mental health struggles or stressful situations. Psychologists often recognize that laughter can help alleviate tension and even improve physical health by reducing the levels of stress hormones. This quote can also relate to how individuals in high-pressure careers—such as doctors, emergency responders, or leaders—use humor as a survival mechanism, helping them to navigate intense personal and professional challenges.
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