Laugh, and the world laughs with you; Weep, and you weep alone. For this brave old earth must borrow its mirth, But has trouble enough of its own. Sing, and the hills will answer; Sigh, it is lost on the air. The echoes bound to a joyful sound, But shrink from voicing care.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- People are drawn to joy and repelled by sorrow because the world already has enough trouble. Positive energy attracts connection while negativity isolates.
- In plain terms
- Joy attracts people but sadness pushes them away.
- What can you take from it?
- Share your positivity to build stronger relationships.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you handle sharing sadness with others?
- Does this sentiment feel true to your experience?
Another view
This view oversimplifies the value of shared grief and empathy.
More from Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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Permalink to quote #2 There is room in the halls of pleasure For a long and lordly train, But one by one we must all file on Through the narrow aisles of pain.
Permalink to quote #3 No question is ever settled Until it is settled right.
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