Art of life Quote by Harriet Lerner
““Countless self-help books, blogs and seminars promise relief from suffering, when pain and suffering are as much part of life as happiness and joy.The only way to avoid being mistreated in this world is to fold up in a dark corner and stay mute. If you go outside, or let others in, you'll get hurt many times. Ditto if you've grown up in a family rather than begin raised by wolves. Some people will behave badly and will not apologize, repair the harm, or care about your feelings.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Dance of Anger by Harriet Lerner, 1985
The quote highlights that pain and suffering are inevitable parts of life, and avoiding harm by withdrawing isolates us, while engaging with others inevitably brings hurt but also growth.
In simple terms: Pain is inevitable; isolation isn’t protection.
Key Takeaway
Embrace connection despite risk.
Themes
vulnerability
relationships
resilience
Mood
reflective
empathetic
Type
advice
psychological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- family life
- friendships
- workplace interactions
- personal growth
Key Concepts
psychology
emotional health
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you protect yourself while staying open?
- What boundaries help balance safety and connection?
A Different Perspective
Avoiding pain can lead to loneliness and missed opportunities for healing.
