One third, more or less, of all the sorrow that the person…
“One third, more or less, of all the sorrow that the person I think I am must endure is unavoidable. It is the sorrow inherent in the human condition, the price we must pay for being sentient and self-conscious organisms, aspirants to liberation, but subject to the laws of nature and under orders to keep on marching, through irreversible time, through a world wholly indifferent to our well-being, toward decrepitude and the certainty of death. The remaining two thirds of all sorrow is homemade and, so far as the universe is concerned, unnecessary.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human existence carries inevitable suffering due to consciousness, mortality, and an indifferent universe; additional pain is self‑inflicted and avoidable.
In simple terms: Life brings unavoidable sorrow; extra pain is self‑made.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and reduce self‑created suffering.
Themes
existential
suffering
consciousness
mortality
freedom
Mood
reflective
somber
hopeful
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- grief counseling
- mindfulness practice
- philosophical reflection
- creative expression
Key Concepts
nihilism
acceptance
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What aspects of your suffering are truly unavoidable?
- How can you lessen the homemade portion?
A Different Perspective
Self‑inflicted sorrow can be mitigated by awareness and intentional living.