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About this quote

What does it mean?
Philosophy explains past and future pain easily but fails when pain is happening now.
In plain terms
Philosophy works for old or coming pain, not for pain happening now.
What can you take from it?
Intellectual analysis rarely helps in the moment of suffering.

Where it applies

  • dealing with grief
  • practical philosophy
  • therapy

Putting it to work

  • balance theory with action
  • focus on immediate needs

Questions to consider

  • Does thinking help you feel better?
  • What helps in the moment?

Another view

Philosophy can help frame suffering even in the moment.

More from Francois de La Rochefoucauld

  1. Nous avons tous assez de force pour supporter les maux d'autrui.

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  2. Il faut de plus grandes vertus pour soutenir la bonne fortune que la mauvaise.

    Permalink to quote #10

  3. Il ne faut pas s'offenser que les autres nous cachent la verite, puisque nous nous la cachons si souvent a nous-memes.

    Permalink to quote #7

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