Only at quite rare moments have I felt really glad to be alive. I could not but feel with a sympathy full of regret all the pain that I saw around me, not only that of men but that of the whole creation. From this community of suffering I have never tried to withdraw myself. It seemed to me a matter of course that we should all take our share of the burden of pain which lies upon the world.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author reflects on the rarity of pure joy amidst widespread suffering and accepts shared responsibility for the world's pain.
- In plain terms
- I rarely feel glad to be alive because so much suffering exists around me.
- What can you take from it?
- Acknowledge the world's suffering and accept your part in bearing it.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you cope with the world's suffering?
- What does it mean to share a burden?
Another view
Constantly sharing the burden of pain can lead to emotional exhaustion.
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