When I hear that a personal friend has fallen into…
“When I hear that a personal friend has fallen into matrimonial courses, I feel the same sorrow as if I had heard of his lapsing into theism — a holy sorrow, unmixed with anger.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker feels deep, compassionate sorrow for a friend's moral decline, akin to religious grief, without resentment.
In simple terms: Compassionate grief for a friend's moral failings.
Feel empathy, not anger, when others stray.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- supporting a friend
- counseling
- community response
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you help a friend without judgment?
- What does “holy sorrow” mean to you?
Such sorrow may overlook personal responsibility to intervene.