Capable Quote by Henry James
“To live only to suffer—only to feel the injury of life repeated and enlarged—it seemed to her she was too valuable, too capable, for that. Then she wondered if it were vain and stupid to think so well of herself. When had it even been a guarantee to be valuable? Wasn't all history full of the destruction of precious things? Wasn't it much more probable that if one were fine one would suffer?”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Wings of the Dove, 1902
She questions the value of self-worth when suffering seems inevitable, reflecting on whether confidence is vanity.
In simple terms: Self-worth feels fragile amid suffering.
Key Takeaway
Recognize worth despite pain.
Themes
self-worth
existential doubt
human suffering
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal crises
- mental health counseling
- creative writing
- support groups
Key Concepts
psychology
philosophy
literature
Questions to Reflect On
- Is self-esteem a construct or an innate truth?
- How can one cultivate resilience?
A Different Perspective
The notion of inherent value may be challenged by external hardships.
![“[The Community's] crosses and trials give me confidence. But I derive my hope above all, and most especially, from our utter incapacity, for it is always upon nothingness that God is pleased to rear His works. If at any day we accomplish some good here, the glory will certainly be His alone, since…” quote by Theodore Guerin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b8/theodore-guerin-54729_accomplish_the-community-s-crosses-and-trials-give_7176.jpg)
