Skip to content

The benevolent gentleman is sorry; but, then, the thing…

“The benevolent gentleman is sorry; but, then, the thing happens every day! One sees girls and mothers crying at these sales, always! it can't be helped, etc.; and he walks off, with his acquisition, in another direction.” quote by Harriet Beecher Stowe
Download Open image
““The benevolent gentleman is sorry; but, then, the thing happens every day! One sees girls and mothers crying at these sales, always! it can't be helped, etc.; and he walks off, with his acquisition, in another direction.””

Harriet Beecher Stowe

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A compassionate man feels helpless watching daily suffering, yet continues his own pursuits despite guilt.

In simple terms: Kindness feels powerless amid constant sorrow.

Key Takeaway

Recognize limits of personal impact.

Themes

compassion guilt social responsibility

Mood

reflective somber

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • charity work
  • daily life
  • personal ambition

Key Concepts

humanism moral conflict

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can one act responsibly without burnout?
  • What small changes can alleviate daily suffering?
A Different Perspective

Altruism can be constrained by systemic issues.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Harriet Beecher Stowe

Explore all 280 Harriet Beecher Stowe quotes

More Crying quotes

Browse all 3,126 Crying quotes