Equal Quote by Jean de la Bruyere
“If our life is unhappy it is painful to bear; if it is happy it is horrible to lose, So the one is pretty equal to the other.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Les Caractères, 1688
Happiness and unhappiness are equally burdensome, suggesting life’s emotional extremes balance each other.
In simple terms: Both joy and sorrow are heavy.
Accept emotional fluctuations.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- grief
- celebration
- daily stress
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes happiness worthwhile?
- Can suffering be a teacher?
Equality of extremes may downplay the value of joy.