Awful Quote by Nathaniel Hawthorne
“There is something more awful in happiness than in sorrow--the latter being earthly and finite, the former composed of the substance and texture of eternity, so that spirits still embodied may well tremble at it.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne, 1850
Happiness can be more terrifying than sorrow because it hints at eternity, making mortal spirits uneasy about the infinite.
In simple terms: Eternal happiness can be unsettling.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the mystery of eternal joy.
Themes
happiness
eternity
fear
spiritual insight
Mood
thoughtful
hopeful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- contemplative prayer
- artistic creation
- philosophical debate
- personal meditation
Key Concepts
philosophy
theology
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- Why does the idea of eternity frighten us?
- Can we learn to love the unknown?
A Different Perspective
Eternal joy may cause anxiety; finite sorrow feels safer.
