Brother Quote by Charles Williams
““A certain brother said : “It is right for a man to take up the burden for them who are near to him, whatever it may be, and, so to speak, to put his own soul in the place of that of his neighbour, and to become, if it were possible, a double man, and he must suffer, and weep, and mourn with him, and finally the matter must be accounted by him as if he himself had put on the actual body of his neighbour, and as if he had acquired his countenance and soul, and he must suffer for him as he would for himself.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Place of the Lion, 1931
He urges taking on another’s suffering as if it were your own, becoming a “double man” who shares in their pain and responsibility.
In simple terms: Live as if you carry another’s burden as your own.
Key Takeaway
Empathize deeply and act on others’ pain.
Themes
empathy
self‑sacrifice
solidarity
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- counseling a friend
- volunteering in crisis
- advocating for marginalized groups
Key Concepts
ethical responsibility
shared humanity
Questions to Reflect On
- Can you bear another’s suffering without losing yourself?
- When does empathy become self‑destruction?
A Different Perspective
Such total empathy can lead to burnout or loss of self boundaries.
