--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The word suffer in its original sense…" description: "\"“The word suffer in its original sense means “to allow,” such as in one of Shakespeare’s dramas when a courtier says, “I suffer you to speak before the..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4c7/robert-a-johnson-21018_life_the-word-suffer-in-its-original-sense-me_809553.jpg" --- # The word suffer in its original sense means “to allow,”… ![“The word suffer in its original sense means “to allow,” such as in one of Shakespeare’s dramas when a courtier says, “I suffer you to speak before the king.” So to suffer creatively is simply to allow what is, to stop fighting it, and instead to affirm your life. Creative suffering is allowing…” quote by Robert A. Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4c7/robert-a-johnson-21018_life_the-word-suffer-in-its-original-sense-me_809553.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4c7/robert-a-johnson-21018_life_the-word-suffer-in-its-original-sense-me_809553.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4c7/robert-a-johnson-21018_life_the-word-suffer-in-its-original-sense-me_809553.jpg) > ““The word suffer in its original sense means “to allow,” such as in one of Shakespeare’s dramas when a courtier says, “I suffer you to speak before the king.” So to suffer creatively is simply to allow what is, to stop fighting it, and instead to affirm your life. Creative suffering is allowing what is and saying “yes!” Such experience is redemptive in that it leads to healing and self-knowledge. If you can honestly assess what is true in your life, looking at it with objectivity and intelligence, you are getting closer to enlightenment, as your escape mechanism is diminished. By stating what is at any moment, with complete honesty and sincerity, you become conscious of it. When”” [Robert A. Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-a-johnson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Creative suffering means accepting reality without resistance, turning acceptance into a catalyst for healing and self‑knowledge. **In simple terms:** Accept reality, then grow from it. Key Takeaway Embrace what is, and transform it. Themes acceptance growth self‑knowledge healing creativity Mood reflective hopeful Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - therapy sessions - artistic creation - personal crisis - spiritual practice Key Concepts mindfulness self‑reflection psychology Questions to Reflect On - How can you differentiate acceptance from resignation? - What practices help turn acceptance into creative insight? A Different Perspective May lead to stagnation if acceptance becomes passivity. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Suffering](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/suffering/) ## Related quotes > [I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-luther-king-jr/i-am-not-unmindful-that-some-of-you-have-come-here-out-of-great/) [Martin Luther King, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-luther-king-jr/) > [The seed of suffering in you may be strong, but don't wait until you have no more suffering before allowing yourself to be happy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-seed-of-suffering-in-you-may-be-strong-but-don-t-wait-until-you/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [One does not ask of one who suffers: What is your country and what is your religion? 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