Affliction Quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld
“Whatever pretended causes we may blame our afflictions upon, it is often nothing but self-interest and vanity that produce them.”
About This Quote
People often blame external causes for their woes, but these are frequently rooted in selfishness and vanity.
In simple terms: Blaming others masks self‑interest.
Key Takeaway
Reflect on personal motives.
Themes
self‑interest
vanity
blame
Mood
introspective
serious
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- self‑assessment
- conflict resolution
- leadership training
- ethical decision‑making
Key Concepts
philosophy
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- What personal biases drive your complaints?
- How can humility reduce conflict?
A Different Perspective
Self‑interest can be hard to admit.
![“May I strike my heart's keys clearly, and may none fail because of slack, uncertain, or fraying strings. May the tears that stream down my face make me more radiant: may my hidden weeping bloom… How we waste our afflictions!... [T]hey're really our wintering foliage, our dark greens of meaning…” quote by Rainer Maria Rilke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7c7/rainer-maria-rilke-193_abode_may-i-strike-my-heart-s-keys-clearly-and_52479.jpg)
