Affliction Quote by Lyndon B. Johnson
“...in the decline of life shame and grief are of short duration; whether it be that we bear easily what we have borne long; or that, finding ourselves in age less regarded, we less regard others; or, that we look with slight regard upon afflictions to which we know that the hand of death is about to put an end.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: State of the Union, 1965
He reflects on the fleeting nature of shame and grief, noting how age and perspective alter our regard for suffering and mortality.
In simple terms: Shame and grief are brief; age changes our view of suffering.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate compassion and perspective.
Themes
mortality
empathy
age
Mood
somber
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- elder care
- grief counseling
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
human condition
Questions to Reflect On
- How does aging affect our response to loss?
- What can we do to ease grief?
A Different Perspective
May generalize experiences across ages.
![“May I strike my heart's keys clearly, and may none fail because of slack, uncertain, or fraying strings. May the tears that stream down my face make me more radiant: may my hidden weeping bloom… How we waste our afflictions!... [T]hey're really our wintering foliage, our dark greens of meaning…” quote by Rainer Maria Rilke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7c7/rainer-maria-rilke-193_abode_may-i-strike-my-heart-s-keys-clearly-and_52479.jpg)
