Depression, gloom, pessimism, despair, discouragement, these slay ten human beings to every one murdered by typhoid, influenza, diabetes or pneumonia. If tuberculosis is the great white plague, then fear is the great black plague.

Summary

This quote highlights the devastating impact of mental health issues, particularly depression, on individuals. It suggests that while physical diseases like typhoid, influenza, diabetes, or pneumonia may cause deaths, the emotional afflictions like depression, gloom, pessimism, despair, and discouragement can take a much greater toll. By referring to fear as the "great black plague," it emphasizes how the negative emotions and psychological distress can overpower and harm individuals, equating it to a widespread and deadly epidemic.

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