Skip to content

Customs Quote by Marcel Proust

“There is no more ridiculous custom than the one that makes you express sympathy once and for all on a given day to a person whose sorrow will endure as long as his life. Such grief, felt in such a way is always present, it is never too late to talk about it, never repetitious to mention it again.” quote by Marcel Proust
Download Open image
“There is no more ridiculous custom than the one that makes you express sympathy once and for all on a given day to a person whose sorrow will endure as long as his life. Such grief, felt in such a way is always present, it is never too late to talk about it, never repetitious to mention it again.”

Marcel Proust

About This Quote

Source Novel: In Search of Lost Time, Volume 1, 1913

Grief is enduring; expressing sympathy once is insufficient; ongoing acknowledgment matters.

In simple terms: Grief lasts; sympathy must be continual.

Key Takeaway

Offer lasting support, not just one-time gestures.

Themes

grief empathy longevity

Mood

somber thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • friendship
  • family
  • healthcare
  • counseling

Key Concepts

social norms human connection

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you show ongoing support?
  • What prevents continuous empathy?
A Different Perspective

One-off gestures can feel hollow if not followed up.

4.6 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Marcel Proust

Explore all 1,113 Marcel Proust quotes

More Customs quotes

Browse all 817 Customs quotes