realization of hopelessness of material world

[jaimin]

Aksayananda: I think most of the devotees became by fear. I think most
of the devotees have become devotees because of fear.

Prabhupada: Fear must be. If he's a gentleman he must be afraid of
this material world. That is very good qualification. If one is afraid
of this material existence, it is very good symptom.

Aksayananda: Just about every devotee, before coming to you, has
thought about suicide.

Prabhupada: Suicide? Oh.

Aksayananda: So many, I know I have spoken with them. And myself
included.

Prabhupada: Yes, there was no hope. What is the use.

Aksayananda: Yes. Just about every devotee, they have thought of
suicide.

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Room Conversation -- September 6, 1976, Vrndavana