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The attitude of unhappiness is not only painful, it is…

“The attitude of unhappiness is not only painful, it is mean and ugly. What can be more base and unworthy than the pining, puling, mumping mood, no matter by what outward ills it may have been engendered? What is more injurious to others? What less helpful as a way out of the difficulty? It but…” quote by William James
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“The attitude of unhappiness is not only painful, it is mean and ugly. What can be more base and unworthy than the pining, puling, mumping mood, no matter by what outward ills it may have been engendered? What is more injurious to others? What less helpful as a way out of the difficulty? It but fastens and perpetuates the trouble which occasioned it, and increases the total evil of the situation. At all costs, then, we ought to reduce the sway of that mood; we ought to scout it in ourselves and others, and never show it tolerance.”

William James

About This Quote

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

Unhappiness spreads negativity and harms both self and others, so it should be recognized and curbed promptly.

In simple terms: Bad moods hurt everyone and should be stopped.

Key Takeaway

Identify and limit negative moods.

Themes

psychology ethics emotional health

Mood

reflective serious thoughtful

Type

advice philosophical psychological

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • workplace dynamics
  • mental health counseling
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

negative affect social impact self‑regulation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you recognize when a mood becomes harmful?
  • What strategies help you reduce its influence?
A Different Perspective

Some may argue that tolerating emotions can lead to deeper understanding.

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