The Therapeutic Power of Words

“Writing is a form of therapy; sometimes I wonder how all those who do not write, compose, or paint can manage to escape the madness, the melancholia, the panic, and fear inherent in a human situation,” Graham Greene once mused. These words reflect the essence of Greene’s work and life — a man who found solace and purpose in creation. Greene, one of the most influential writers of the 20th century, turned the turmoil of his inner and outer worlds into a body of literature that continues to resonate with readers worldwide. He explored moral ambiguity, faith, and human frailty through novels, essays, and screenplays, leaving an indelible mark on literature and society.

Before becoming a celebrated author, Greene’s life was marked by a profound sense of unease. Born in 1904 in Berkhamsted, England, he endured a tumultuous childhood. As a boy, he grappled with severe depression, exacerbated by bullying at his boarding school. At one point, he even attempted suicide by Russian roulette, an incident he later recounted with chilling clarity. Greene’s struggles led his parents to send him for psychoanalysis, an experience that deeply influenced his understanding of human psychology.

Writing became a lifeline during these turbulent years. Greene’s early forays into storytelling served as an outlet for processing his emotions and grappling with existential questions. This…