Skip to content

Deserved Quote by Toni Morrison

“Apparently he thought he deserved only to be loved--from a distance, though--and given what he wanted. And in return he would be . . . what? Pleasant? Generous? Maybe all he was really saying was: I am not responsible for your pain; share your happiness with me but not your unhappiness.” quote by Toni Morrison
Download Open image
““Apparently he thought he deserved only to be loved--from a distance, though--and given what he wanted. And in return he would be . . . what? Pleasant? Generous? Maybe all he was really saying was: I am not responsible for your pain; share your happiness with me but not your unhappiness.””

Toni Morrison

About This Quote

He avoids responsibility for others' pain, offering happiness but not sharing sorrow.

In simple terms: Avoiding responsibility for others' suffering.

Key Takeaway

Own both joy and pain together.

Themes

responsibility empathy relationships

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • marriage counseling
  • friendship
  • family dynamics

Key Concepts

emotional accountability interpersonal dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you share both joy and sorrow?
  • What does true empathy require?
A Different Perspective

May oversimplify complex emotional interdependence.

2.4 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by Toni Morrison

Explore all 775 Toni Morrison quotes

More Deserved quotes

Browse all 305 Deserved quotes