Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
People bond deeply when they share similar struggles or weaknesses.
In plain terms
We connect with others who face the same problems we do.
What can you take from it?
Shared hardships create strong bonds.

Where it applies

  • forming friendships
  • support groups
  • conflict resolution

Putting it to work

  • build rapport through shared experiences
  • acknowledge mutual flaws

Questions to consider

  • What shared struggles define your closest relationships?
  • Do you bond more over strengths or weaknesses?

Another view

It assumes shared ailments are the primary driver of affection.

More from Jonathan Swift

  1. 'Tis very warm weather when one's in bed.

    Permalink to quote #11
  2. I love good creditable acquaintance; I love to be the worst of the company.

    Permalink to quote #13
  3. And surely one of the best rules in conversation is, never to say a thing which any of the company can reasonably wish had been left unsaid:

    Permalink to quote #10

Related quotes

  1. Man is endowed by nature with organic relations to his fellow men; and natural impulse prompts him to consider the needs of others even when they compete with …

    Reinhold NiebuhrReinhold Niebuhr quote #3
  2. It is when we ask for love less and begin giving it more that the basis of human love is revealed to us.

    Leo BuscagliaLeo Buscaglia quote #30
  3. How can there be peace on earth when there's war in love?

    Andre SchneiderAndre Schneider quote #1