This is what I think: If you had the nerve to live what you lived, you should have the nerve to write it

This is what I think: If you had the nerve to live what you lived, you should have the nerve to write it

Jerry Stahl is a writer known for his raw and unflinching portrayals of addiction, recovery, and the darker aspects of human nature. His memoir, "Permanent Midnight," details his struggles with heroin addiction and his journey to sobriety. Stahl's writing is brutally honest and often uncomfortable to read, but it is this honesty that makes his work so powerful.

The quote, "This is what I think: If you had the nerve to live what you lived, you should have the nerve to write it," perfectly encapsulates Stahl's approach to writing. Stahl lived through some of the darkest moments of his life, and instead of shying away from them, he chose to confront them head-on and share his experiences with the world. This takes an incredible amount of courage and vulnerability, but Stahl believes that it is necessary in order to truly connect with readers and convey the reality of addiction.

Stahl's writing is not for the faint of heart. It is gritty, raw, and at times disturbing. But it is also incredibly powerful and moving. By sharing his own struggles with addiction, Stahl is able to shine a light on the often overlooked and stigmatized world of drug addiction. He humanizes those who are struggling with addiction, showing that they are not just statistics or stereotypes, but real people with real struggles.

Stahl's writing is a testament to the power of storytelling. By sharing his own experiences, he is able to connect with readers on a deep and emotional level. His writing is a reminder that we are all human, and that we all have our own struggles and demons to face. Stahl's work serves as a beacon of hope for those who are struggling with addiction, showing that recovery is possible and that there is always a way out of the darkness.