--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Suffering raises up those souls that are…" description: "\"Suffering raises up those souls that are truly great; it is only small souls that are made mean-spirited by it.\" — Alexandra David-Neel" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dad/alexandra-david-neel-27920_made_suffering-raises-up-those-souls-that-are_1433082.jpg" --- # Suffering raises up those souls that are truly great; it… ![“Suffering raises up those souls that are truly great; it is only small souls that are made mean-spirited by it.” quote by Alexandra David-Neel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dad/alexandra-david-neel-27920_made_suffering-raises-up-those-souls-that-are_1433082.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dad/alexandra-david-neel-27920_made_suffering-raises-up-those-souls-that-are_1433082.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dad/alexandra-david-neel-27920_made_suffering-raises-up-those-souls-that-are_1433082.jpg) > “Suffering raises up those souls that are truly great; it is only small souls that are made mean-spirited by it.” [Alexandra David-Neel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexandra-david-neel/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Adversity refines the noble, while the petty become bitter; suffering distinguishes greatness. **In simple terms:** Suffering separates great souls from petty ones. Key Takeaway Embrace challenges for growth. Themes suffering greatness character Mood thoughtful inspirational Type philosophical spiritual When to use this quote - personal crises - leadership trials - spiritual practice - social injustice Key Concepts Stoicism spiritual development Questions to Reflect On - How does hardship shape your values? - Can suffering be avoided? A Different Perspective Not all suffering leads to virtue; context matters. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Mean spirited](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mean-spirited/) [Soul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/soul/) [Spirited](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spirited/) [Spirituality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spirituality/) [Suffering](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/suffering/) ## Related quotes > [“- Bird of the soul - To all the beautiful people who seek to genuinely love themselves and live the life that their souls…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ilchi-lee/bird-of-the-soul-to-all-the-beautiful-people-who-seek-to-genuinely/) [Ilchi Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ilchi-lee/) > [Although from you I far must roam, do not be broken hearted. 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