Chamblee54

PG was minding his digital business when a fbf posted a meme. It features a studious Sigmund Freud, with a quote: “Before you diagnose yourself with depression or low self-esteem, first make sure that you are not, in fact, just surrounded by assholes.” Pictures today are from Liljenquist Family Collection of Civil War Photographs.
As some of you know, PG likes to debunk inspirational quotes. This one seemed a bit flakier than most. PG typed “before you diagnose” in the window. Magic sentences filled in the rest. When the first result you see is from Quote Investigator, there is a possibility of a measly meme.
Notorious d.e.b. @debihope “Before you diagnose yourself with depression or low self esteem, first make sure you are not, in fact, just surrounded by assholes.” By all accounts, this is where the quote started. It was retweeted by William Gibson @GreatDismal. He has denied authorship several times. @GreatDismal What’s your (now) (in)famous quote about depression? [Actually not my quote. Never said it] @GreatDismal Really? What’s it like having a now viral quote incorrectly attributed to yourself? [Very 21st Century] How Sigmund Freud got dragged into this is anyone’s guess.
The meme machine can be tempting. The desire is strong to share something you enjoy. The @debihope quote does have a kernal of truth to it, even when *you* is one of the assholes. However, some actors here that should know better. It is easy to verify a quote. Professional meme mongers like goodreads should make friends with google. Even if the quote is real, William Gibson is alive, and knows about copyright infringement.
Pefect Papers takes this thing to a new level. They are currently selling the Before You Diagnose Yourself … Gold Marble Sigmund Freud Quote Notebook for $7.99. The book has the quote on the cover, followed by 120 lined pages.