Active Quote by Anonymous
“My own idea, for what it is worth, is that all sadness which is not either arising from the repentance of a concrete sin and hastening towards concrete amendment or restitution, or else arising from pity and hastening to active assistance, is simply bad; and I think we all sin by needlessly disobeying the apostolic injunction to 'rejoice' as much as by anything else. Humility, after the first shock, is a cheerful virtue.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Moral Treatise, unknown author, unknown date
Sadness not linked to repentance or compassion is harmful; joy is a duty, and humility after shock is uplifting.
In simple terms: Bad sadness lacks purpose; joy is required; humility after shock is good.
Embrace joy, act compassionately, and stay humble after setbacks.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal grief
- community support
- moral decision making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate genuine joy from imposed cheerfulness?
- When is humility truly beneficial?
Joy may be forced, leading to inauthenticity.