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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…” quote by Anonymous
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“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.”

Anonymous

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.

Key Takeaway

Embrace joy, act compassionately, and stay humble after setbacks.

Themes

morality emotion humility

Mood

reflective serious

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal grief
  • community support
  • moral decision making

Key Concepts

theology psychology ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you differentiate genuine joy from imposed cheerfulness?
  • When is humility truly beneficial?
A Different Perspective

Joy may be forced, leading to inauthenticity.

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