A foretold misfortune, when at last it occurs, is ten, is…
““A foretold misfortune, when at last it occurs, is ten, is a hundred times harder to endure than one we did not expect. All during our apprehensions, we lived through it in advance, and when it happens these past torments are added to the present ones, and together they form a mass whose weight is intolerable.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He reflects that anticipated misfortune feels less painful than unexpected suffering, which compounds over time.
In simple terms: Expected pain is easier than surprise; it builds up.
Prepare for possibilities.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- existential thought
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you cope with unforeseen hardships?
- Can anticipation reduce impact?
Unexpected events can be overwhelming.