Poirot," I said. "I have been thinking." "An admirable exercise my friend. Continue it.
Agatha ChristieRead
I don't go in for being sorry for people. For one thing it's insulting. One is only sorry for people when they're sorry for themselves. Self-pity is one of the biggest stumbling blocks in the world today.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Self-pity is counterproductive and often seen as a sign of weakness.
In this quote, Agatha Christie emphasizes the futility of feeling sorry for individuals who wallow in self-pity. She argues that such sentiments can be insulting and are unhelpful, as they often stem from a sense of victimhood rather than a proactive approach to addressing one's challenges. By highlighting self-pity as a stumbling block, Christie encourages self-awareness and resilience in the face of adversity.
Themes
Self-PityWisdomResilienceStumbling BlocksSelf-Awareness
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech to high school students about overcoming challenges.
More from Agatha Christie
All quotes →Best of an island is once you get there - you can't go any farther...you've come to the end of things.
Agatha ChristieRead
Where large sums of money are concerned, it is advisable to trust nobody.
Agatha ChristieRead
I have wanted . . . to commit a murder myself. I recognized this as the desire of the artist to express himself! . . . But-incongruous as it may seem to some-I was restrained and hampered by my innate sense of justice. The innocent must not suffer.
Agatha ChristieRead
Sitting here with one's knitting, one just sees the facts. -"The Blood-Stained Pavement
Agatha ChristieRead
No, my friend, I am not drunk. I have just been to the dentist, and need not return for another six months! Is it not the most beautiful thought? --Poirot
Agatha ChristieRead
Similar quotes
To my mind, it seems clear that those who have no memory have the much greater chance to lead happy lives. But it is something you cannot possibly escape: your psychological make-up is such that you are inclined to look back over your shoulder.
W. G. SebaldRead
I don't see much sense in that," said Rabbit. "No," said Pooh humbly, "there isn't. But there was going to be when I began it. It's just that something happened to it along the way.
A. A. MilneRead
Good news is rare these days, and every glittering ounce of it should be cherished and hoarded and worshipped and fondled like a priceless diamond.
Hunter S. ThompsonRead
If you have the ball, you must make the field as big as possible, and if you don't have the ball, you must make it as small as possible.
Johan CruijffRead
Be not swept off your feet by the vividness of the impression, but say, "Impression, wait for me a little. Let me see what you are and what you represent. Let me try you."
EpictetusRead
Let us not get so busy or live so fast that we can't listen to the music of the meadow or the symphony that glorifies the forest. Some things in the world are far more important than wealth; one of them is the ability to enjoy simple things.
Dale CarnegieRead