Fitness Quote by Stephen Greenblatt
““Take physic, pomp; Expose thyself to feel what wretches feel, That thou mayst shake the superflux to them, And show the heavens more just. (3.4.34–37)””
About This Quote
Source Literary Criticism: The Rise of the Novel, 1995
Empathy requires exposing oneself to suffering, shaking the divine order, and revealing a more just universe.
In simple terms: Feel others’ pain to reveal a just cosmos.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate empathy through confronting hardship.
Themes
empathy
justice
humanity
literature
spirituality
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- volunteering with the homeless
- reading tragic literature
- social work
- mindfulness retreats
Key Concepts
moral imagination
ethical responsibility
cosmic order
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal suffering translate to social justice?
- What practices deepen genuine empathy?
A Different Perspective
May romanticize suffering without actionable change.
