Pain Quote by Richard Gordon
““Pain is never ennobling, only degrading. And do not be afraid, sir, that there will ever be too little of it in the world to spare mankind its "purification". There will always be human groans enough to fill the sails of that argument. But I am a practical Christian. Unlike you , sir, I relieve suffering, wherever I see it. Your ladies would not object to warm baths, to mitigate labour pains? To opium? It is the same prinicple.””
About This Quote
Pain is portrayed as degrading, not ennobling, and the speaker claims to relieve suffering, suggesting a pragmatic view of suffering as a tool for purification.
In simple terms: Pain degrades, not elevates; relief is practical.
Key Takeaway
Offer compassionate aid without glorifying pain.
Themes
pain
suffering
relief
Mood
critical
philosophical
Type
ethical
theological
practical
When to use this quote
- medical care
- counseling
- social policy
Key Concepts
ethical pragmatism
theology
humanitarian aid
Questions to Reflect On
- Is pain ever truly beneficial?
- How can we alleviate suffering ethically?
A Different Perspective
Glorifying suffering can justify harm.
