Able Quote by Dorothee Solle
“There is no wrong suffering. There is imaginary, sham, feigned, simulated, pretended suffering. But the assertion that someone suffers for the right or wrong reason presupposes a divine, all-penetrating judgment able to distinguish historically obsolete forms of suffering from those in our time, instead of leaving this decision to the sufferers themselves.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Nature of Suffering, Dorothee Solle, 1998
The quote argues that suffering is not inherently wrong; labeling it as right or wrong imposes external moral judgment, which should belong to the individual experiencing it.
In simple terms: Suffering isn’t inherently right or wrong; only the sufferer decides.
Key Takeaway
Respect personal judgment of suffering.
Themes
ethics
subjectivity
pain
autonomy
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
reflective
When to use this quote
- mental health counseling
- philosophical debate
- personal reflection
- social policy
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
moral relativism
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance personal autonomy with societal responsibility?
- When is external judgment necessary?
A Different Perspective
It may ignore systemic factors that cause suffering beyond individual control.
