Courage Quote by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki
““[…] we can’t make a decision between being sad for a little while and being wretched for the rest of our lives. Or rather we’ve made the decision and have trouble finding the courage to carry it through.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Makioka Sisters, 1948
We often choose short-term sorrow over a lifelong misery, yet we may lack the bravery to follow through with that choice.
In simple terms: Choosing brief sadness can prevent lasting misery, but courage is needed.
Recognize and act on the courage needed to avoid long‑term suffering.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal crises
- mental health decisions
- relationship conflicts
- career crossroads
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What short‑term sorrow are you using to avoid a worse outcome?
- How can you cultivate courage to face lasting challenges?
Short‑term relief may mask deeper issues needing attention.