I have a heart to be stabbed in or shot in, I have no doubt, and, of course, if it ceased to beat, I would cease to be. But you know what I mean. I have no softness there, no—sympathy—sentiment—nonsense.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the complex nature of human emotions and the acknowledgment of vulnerability amidst a lack of sentimentality.
In this quote, Charles Dickens discusses the inherent vulnerability of having deep emotions while simultaneously rejecting any notions of softness or unnecessary sentimentality. He acknowledges the capacity for pain and suffering, suggesting that while one is emotionally capable of being hurt, it does not lead to an overwhelming depth of sympathy or softness, implying a more stoic approach to human experience and relationships.
In practice
In a motivational speech about resilience, this quote can be used to illustrate how hardship can be faced without succumbing to sentimentality.
I recollected one story there was in the village, how that on a certain night in the year (it might be that very night for anything I knew), all the dead people came out of the ground and sat at the heads of their own graves till morning.
A silent look of affection and regard when all other eyes are turned coldly away-the consciousness that we possess the sympathy and affection of one being when all others have deserted us-is a hold, a stay, a comfort, in the deepest affliction, which no wealth could purchase, or power bestow.
Heaven knows we need never be ashamed of our tears, for they are rain upon the blinding dust of earth, overlying our hard hearts. I was better after I had cried, than before--more sorry, more aware of my own ingratitude, more gentle.
There are not a few among the disciples of charity who require, in their vocation, scarcely less excitement than the votaries of pleasure in theirs.
You might, from your appearance, be the wife of Lucifer,” said Miss Pross, in her breathing. “Nevertheless, you shall not get the better of me. I am an Englishwoman.
Christmas is a poor excuse every 25th of December to pick a man's pockets.
This rule of silence is upheld when the culture refuses everyone easy access even to the word “patriarchy.” Most children do not learn what to call this system of institutionaliz ed gender roles, so rarely do we name it in everyday speech. This silence promotes denial. And how can we organize to challenge and change a system that cannot be named?
What are kings, when regiment is gone, but perfect shadows in a sunshine day?
Perhaps his might be one of the natures where a wise estimate of consequences is fused in the fires of that passionate belief which determines the consequences it believes in.
It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury; signifying nothing.
The difference between life and the movies is that a script has to make sense, and life doesn't.
I tell the truth; listen everyone. Only those who have Loved, will realise the Lord
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