Life Quote by Maurice Maeterlinck
““Why not admit that it is not our paramount duty to weep with all those who are weeping, to suffer with all who are sad, to expose our heart to the passer-by for him to caress or stab? Tears and suffering and wounds are helpful to us only when they do not discourage our life.””
About This Quote
Source Play: The Blue Bird by Maurice Maeterlinck, 1908
Suffering and tears are only useful when they don't hinder life; we shouldn't feel obligated to share every sorrow.
In simple terms: Suffering helps only if it doesn't stop us.
Key Takeaway
Balance empathy with self‑preservation.
Themes
empathy
resilience
boundaries
Mood
thoughtful
balanced
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- grieving
- supporting others
- personal limits
Key Concepts
emotional labor
compassion fatigue
self‑care
Questions to Reflect On
- When do you need to protect yourself?
- How can you help without over‑absorbing?
A Different Perspective
Over‑empathizing can drain you.
![“Truly it is allowed us to weep: by weeping we disperse our wrath; and tears go through the heart, even like a stream. [Lat., Flere licet certe: flendo diffundimus iram: Perque sinum lacrimae, fluminis instar enim.]” quote by Ovid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c24/ovid-276_heart_truly-it-is-allowed-us-to-weep-by-weepin_2380363.jpg)
