Egoism Quote by Angela Carter
““The heart’s egoism sees itself suffering when it sees another suffering and so it learns sympathy, because it can put itself into another’s place; then the heart comes a little way out of its egoism and tentatively encounters the world. But, before the prospect of its own suffering, the heart melts completely and retreats into egoism, again, to protect itself.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Bloody Chamber, Angela Carter, 1979
The heart learns sympathy by imagining itself in another's pain, but retreats to self‑protection when faced with its own suffering.
In simple terms: Sympathy arises, yet self‑interest returns when personal pain appears.
Key Takeaway
Balance empathy with self‑care.
Themes
empathy
ego
self‑protection
vulnerability
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- counseling
- conflict resolution
- personal growth
- artistic expression
Key Concepts
psychology
ethical development
emotional intelligence
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you maintain empathy without losing self‑boundary?
- When does self‑protection become harmful?
A Different Perspective
Sympathy may be limited by personal fear and self‑preservation.
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