Jack London, a famous American author and social activist, lived from 1876 to 1916. He prolifically produced over 50 books and hundreds of short stories, essays, and articles in his lifetime. London wrote about a variety of topics, including social and political issues, adventure, and the natural world. Scholars consider him one of the most significant and influential American authors of the early 20th century. Today, people continue to widely read and study his works. However, Jack London privately contemplated darker subjects such as suicidal ideation.
Due to various health issues, London passed away at the young age of 40. However, his legacy lives on through his writing and activism. He is best known for his works of fiction, including “The Call of the Wild” and “White Fang,”. Beyond that he is known for his essays and articles on social and political issues of his time. While London suffered from depression, his take on suicidal ideation was positive towards life.
London struggled with depression and alcoholism throughout his life. As for many artists, his writing often reflected his personal experiences with these issues. In his autobiographical work, “John Barleycorn,” London writes candidly about his struggles with alcoholism and suicidal thoughts.
Overall Jack London had thoughts on suicidal ideation but was aiming towards the positive aspects of life. In the book, London describes how his depression and alcoholism led him to contemplate suicide.
Here are some direct quotes from Jack London on suicidal ideation:
“Alcohol, taken in sufficient quantities, may produce all the effects of drunkenness; but this same alcohol, taken in smaller quantities, may produce all the effects of suicide.”
Despite his struggles with depression and suicidal ideation, London believed strongly in the value of life and the need to fight against despair. In his essay, “The Joy of Small Things,” he writes:
“There is, indeed, a joy in small things, when that joy is true, when it springs from truth and is not a wraith, a fever, a delusion. But the only way to find the joy in small things is to be truthful ourselves.”
London saw suicide and the ideation thereof as a complex matter. His own struggles with mental health likely influenced his perspective. However, his writing suggests that he saw life as a precious and valuable gift. He believed in the importance of finding joy in the small things.
Read more about Jack London on Suicide Ideation:
- “Jack London: The Man, the Writer, and Suicide” – https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/media-spotlight/201902/jack-london-the-man-the-writer-and-suicide
- “John Barleycorn: Jack London’s Battle with Alcohol and Depression” – https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/articles/john-barleycorn-jack-londons-battle-with-alcohol-and-depression
- “Jack London’s Struggle with Depression: Revealed in a Letter to His Confidant Anna Strunsky” – https://www.brainpickings.org/2015/10/26/jack-london-anna-strunsky-letter-depression/