Bereavement Quote by Ambrose Bierce
“Condole - to show that bereavement is a smaller evil than sympathy.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Devil’s Dictionary,” 1906
Sympathy can be more painful than loss; grief may be less harsh than feeling for others.
In simple terms: Sympathy can hurt more than loss.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the weight of empathy.
Themes
grief
empathy
human nature
pain
Mood
melancholy
thoughtful
introspective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- counseling
- personal loss
- relationship conflict
- volunteering
- self‑care
Key Concepts
emotional burden
compassion fatigue
psychological impact
Questions to Reflect On
- When has empathy been more painful than loss?
- How can we manage compassion without burnout?
A Different Perspective
Sympathy also fosters connection and healing.
