Absolutes Quote by Lew Wallace
“Sympathy is in great degree a result of the mood we are in at the moment; anger forbids the emotion. On the other hand, it is easiest taken on when we are in a state of most absolute self-satisfaction.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ by Lew Wallace, 1880
Sympathy arises when we feel calm and content, but is blocked by anger or strong negative moods.
In simple terms: We feel empathy when we are happy and self‑satisfied, not angry.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate calm to increase empathy.
Themes
empathy
emotion
self‑awareness
mood
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
advice
psychological
When to use this quote
- conflict resolution
- team building
- customer service
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
psychology
affect
social cognition
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your current mood affect your ability to understand others?
- Can you practice calm to improve empathy?
A Different Perspective
Anger can still provoke empathy in some contexts, so the rule isn’t absolute.
![“If [the writer] achieves anything noble, anything enduring, it must be by giving himself absolutely to his material. And this gift of sympathy is his great gift; is the fine thing in him that alone can make his work fine.” quote by Willa Cather](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7ff/willa-cather-634_achieve_if-the-writer-achieves-anything-noble-an_3181044.jpg)
![“Their [the U.S.’s] defense budget in absolute figures is almost 25 times bigger than Russia’s. This is what in defense is referred to as ‘their home — their fortress.’ And good for them, I say. Well done!” quote by Vladimir Putin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ec3/vladimir-putin-261_absolutes_their-the-u-s-s-defense-budget-in-absolu_10791.jpg)
