It is in books, poems, paintings which often give us the confidence to take seriously feelings in ourselves that we might otherwise never have thought to acknowledge.
Alain De BottonRead
As victims of hurt, we frequently don't bring up what ails us, because so many wounds look absurd in the light of day.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People often hide their pain because it seems trivial when exposed to the outside world.
This quote by Alain De Botton reflects the human tendency to conceal emotional and psychological wounds. Individuals may feel that their struggles are insignificant or absurd when compared to others, leading to a reluctance to express their suffering. The fear of judgment or misunderstanding often complicates the healing process and underscores the importance of empathy in addressing personal pain.
Themes
PainEmotionsPsychologyHealingVulnerability
In practice
Example use cases
In a mental health seminar discussing the importance of sharing feelings.
More from Alain De Botton
All quotes βTaking architecture seriously therefore makes some singular and strenuous demands upon us...It means conceding that we are inconveniently vulnerable to the colour of our wallpaper and that our sense of purpose may be derailed by an unfortunate bedspread
Alain De BottonRead
The more closely we analyze what we consider 'sexy,' the more clearly we will understand that eroticism is the feeling of excitement we experience at finding another human being who shares our values and our sense of the meaning of existence.
Alain De BottonRead
Good books put a finger on emotions that are deeply our own - but that we could never have described on our own.
Alain De BottonRead
The challenge of modern relationships: how to prove more interesting than the other's smartphone.
Alain De BottonRead
It is the most ambitious and driven among us who are the most sorely in need of having our reckless hopes dampened through immersive dousings in the darkness which religions have explored. This is a particular priority for secular Americans, perhaps the most anxious and disappointed people on earth, for their nation infuses them with the most extreme hopes about what they may be able to achieve in their working lives and relationships.
Alain De BottonRead
Similar quotes
The librarian spoke in a reverential whisper. Corliss knew she'd misjudged this passionate woman. Maybe she dressed poorly, but she was probably great in bed, certainly believed in God and goodness, and kept an illicit collection of overdue library books on her shelves.
Sherman AlexieRead
You must accept the truth from whatever source it comes.
MaimonidesRead
Resolve to be thyself: and know that he who finds himself, loses his misery.
Matthew ArnoldRead
Oh, you weak, beautiful people who give up with such grace. What you need is someone to take hold of you--gently, with love, and hand your life back to you, like something gold you let go of--and I can! I'm determined to do it--and nothing's more determined than a cat on a tin roof--is there?
Tennessee WilliamsRead
Let us not look back in anger, nor forward in fear, but around in awareness.
James ThurberRead
Christ willed to suffer and be despised and do you dare complain of the same? Christ had adversaries and backbiters; and do you wish to have all men your friends and benefactors? When shall your patience attain her crown if no adversity befalls you? If you are willing to suffer naught that is against you, how will you be the friend of Christ?
Thomas A KempisRead