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is it not a duty to the survivors that we should refrain…

“is it not a duty to the survivors that we should refrain from augmenting their unhappiness by an appearance of immoderate grief? It is also a duty owed to yourself; for excessive sorrow prevents improvement or enjoyment, or even the discharge of daily usefulness, without which no man is fit for…” quote by Mary Shelley
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““is it not a duty to the survivors that we should refrain from augmenting their unhappiness by an appearance of immoderate grief? It is also a duty owed to yourself; for excessive sorrow prevents improvement or enjoyment, or even the discharge of daily usefulness, without which no man is fit for society.””

Mary Shelley

About This Quote

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

Excessive grief harms both the grieving and those around them, so one should manage sorrow to stay functional and helpful.

In simple terms: Too much grief hurts everyone, so control it.

Key Takeaway

Balance emotion with duty.

Themes

responsibility empathy mental health

Mood

reflective empathetic

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • workplace
  • family caregiving
  • community support

Key Concepts

duty to self duty to others grief management

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you support others while protecting your own wellbeing?
  • When is it appropriate to express deep sorrow?
A Different Perspective

Grief can be necessary for processing loss, and suppressing it may cause harm.

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