Skip to content

Take away grievances from some people and you remove their…

“Take away grievances from some people and you remove their reasons for living; most of us are nourished by hope, but a considerable minority get psychic nutrition from their resentments, and would waste away purposelessly without them.” quote by Sydney J. Harris
Download Open image
“Take away grievances from some people and you remove their reasons for living; most of us are nourished by hope, but a considerable minority get psychic nutrition from their resentments, and would waste away purposelessly without them.”

Sydney J. Harris

About This Quote

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

Holding onto grievances can become a person's purpose, while hope sustains most; some thrive on resentment, lacking direction without it.

In simple terms: Resentment can be a harmful purpose; hope sustains most.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and replace toxic grievances with healthier motivations.

Themes

psychology purpose hope resentment

Mood

reflective concerned

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal therapy
  • relationship counseling
  • community building
  • self‑help programs
  • public policy

Key Concepts

existentialism motivation mental health

Questions to Reflect On

  • What grievances are you clinging to?
  • How can you transform resentment into positive action?
A Different Perspective

Resentments may also cause harm to others and foster negativity.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Sydney J. Harris

Explore all 226 Sydney J. Harris quotes

More Grievance quotes

Browse all 236 Grievance quotes