Meaning: Insomnia is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or a combination of both. The quote, "Insomnia is a gross feeder. It will nourish itself on any kind of thinking, including thinking about not thinking," by Clifton Fadiman, encapsulates the relentless nature of insomnia and its ability to consume a person's thoughts, even when they are trying to escape from them.

Clifton Fadiman, an American intellectual, author, editor, and radio and television personality, was known for his wit and wisdom. In this quote, he captures the vicious cycle of insomnia, where the more one tries not to think about their inability to sleep, the more consumed they become by those very thoughts. Insomnia can indeed feed on any kind of thinking, whether it's anxious thoughts about the future, regrets about the past, or even the frustration of not being able to quiet the mind. This continuous cycle of mental activity can exacerbate the inability to fall asleep, perpetuating the condition.

The quote also highlights the paradoxical nature of insomnia. People who suffer from insomnia often find themselves caught in a cycle of trying to force themselves to sleep, which only serves to heighten their anxiety and make sleep even more elusive. The more they focus on not being able to sleep, the more awake and alert they become. This creates a self-perpetuating cycle, as the very act of trying to suppress thoughts can give them more power.

Furthermore, the quote emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of insomnia. It is not just a physical ailment but also a mental and emotional struggle. Insomnia can lead to a range of negative consequences, including daytime fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and impaired performance at work or school. The constant battle with sleep can also take a toll on one's mental health, leading to feelings of helplessness, frustration, and even depression.

In the context of the quote, "Insomnia is a gross feeder" suggests that insomnia has an insatiable appetite for one's thoughts and emotions. It feeds on the worries, fears, and stress that plague the mind during the night, and in turn, it grows stronger, making it even more challenging to break free from its grip. This metaphorical portrayal of insomnia as a "feeder" paints a vivid picture of how the condition can consume a person's mental and emotional well-being.

In conclusion, Clifton Fadiman's quote succinctly captures the relentless and all-consuming nature of insomnia. It serves as a reminder of the mental and emotional toll that insomnia takes on individuals, as well as the paradoxical struggle of trying to quiet the mind in order to fall asleep. Insomnia's ability to thrive on any kind of thinking, including the act of trying not to think, underscores the complexity of the condition and the challenges it presents to those who suffer from it.