Best friend Quote by Joseph Hall
“Sorrows, because they are lingering guests, I will entertain but moderately, knowing that the more they are made of the longer they will continue: and for pleasures, because they stay not, and do but call to drink at my door, I will use them as passengers with slight respect. He is his own best friend that makes the least of both of them.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Moral Reflections, 1655
Sorrow and pleasure are temporary visitors; treat sorrow with moderation and pleasure as fleeting, respecting both without overindulgence.
In simple terms: Treat sorrow moderately, pleasure briefly.
Key Takeaway
Balance emotions wisely.
Themes
moderation
temporal nature
self‑control
Mood
contemplative
philosophical
Type
maxim
reflection
When to use this quote
- daily stress
- celebrations
- personal setbacks
Key Concepts
ephemeral emotions
mindful living
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you honor sorrow without being consumed?
- What practices keep pleasure from dominating?
A Different Perspective
Sorrow can become overwhelming if dwelled on.
![“The tenets of [the Christian life] seem paradoxes to carnal men; as first, that a Christian is the only freeman, and other men are slaves; that he is the only rich man, though never so poor in the world; that he is the only beautiful man, though outwardly never so deformed; that he is the only…” quote by Richard Sibbes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/74a/richard-sibbes-7950_beautiful_the-tenets-of-the-christian-life-seem-pa_150495.jpg)
