Skip to content

Accepting Quote by Edward Hoagland

“The zest for life of those unusual men and women who make a great zealous success of living is due more often in good part to the craftiness and pertinacity with which they manage to overlook the misery of others. You can watch them watch life beat the stuffing out of the faces of their friends…” quote by Edward Hoagland
Download Open image
“The zest for life of those unusual men and women who make a great zealous success of living is due more often in good part to the craftiness and pertinacity with which they manage to overlook the misery of others. You can watch them watch life beat the stuffing out of the faces of their friends and acquaintances, although they themselves seem to outwit the dense delays of social custom, the tedious tick-tock of bureaucratic obfuscation, accepting loss and age and change and disappointment without suffering punctures in their stomach lining.”

Edward Hoagland

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Art of Living, Edward Hoagland, 1979

People who pursue life passionately often ignore others' suffering, using cleverness and persistence to navigate social constraints without personal pain.

In simple terms: Passionate people may overlook others' misery while thriving.

Key Takeaway

Recognize empathy alongside ambition.

Themes

ambition empathy social critique resilience self‑awareness

Mood

reflective critical thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • career advancement
  • leadership
  • personal development
  • community work

Key Concepts

existentialism psychology social dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance personal drive with compassion?
  • What costs arise from ignoring others' suffering?
A Different Perspective

Neglecting others' pain can erode relationships and moral integrity.

2.2 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Edward Hoagland

Explore all 47 Edward Hoagland quotes

More Accepting quotes

Browse all 6,788 Accepting quotes