Astonishment Quote by Joseph Addison
“When I read the epitaphs of the beautiful, every inordinate desire goes out; when I meet with the grief of parents upon a tombstone, my heart melts with compassion; when I see the tomb of the parents themselves, I consider the vanity of grieving for those whom we must quickly follow: when I see kings lying by those who deposed them, when I consider rival wits placed side by side, or the holy men that divided the world with their contests and disputes, I reflect with sorrow and astonishment on the little competitions, factions, and debates of mankind.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Spectator, 1712
Contemplating mortality reveals the futility of petty conflicts and the universality of human suffering.
In simple terms: Thinking about death shows how small our disputes are.
Key Takeaway
Focus on compassion over competition.
Themes
mortality
compassion
humanity
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- grief counseling
- conflict resolution
- education
- public speaking
- writing
Key Concepts
philosophy
ethics
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does awareness of death change your priorities?
- What actions can reduce petty conflicts?
A Different Perspective
May lead to nihilism if not balanced with meaning.
