Grieve Quote by John Dryden
“Better one suffer than a nation grieve.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “Absalom and Achitophel”, 1681
It is better for an individual to endure suffering than for an entire nation to mourn.
In simple terms: Individual suffering is preferable to national grief.
Key Takeaway
Choose personal sacrifice over collective sorrow.
Themes
sacrifice
national identity
ethical duty
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- war
- natural disasters
- political upheaval
- public health crises
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
collective responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- Is personal pain always noble?
- How can one balance self‑care with duty to others?
A Different Perspective
Personal sacrifice may not always prevent wider suffering.
