Character Quote by W. Somerset Maugham
“It is not true that suffering ennobles the character; happiness does that sometimes, but suffering for the most part, makes men petty and vindictive.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Unconscious," 1915
Suffering often narrows character, while happiness can broaden it; pain tends to breed pettiness and vindictiveness.
In simple terms: Suffering can make people petty; happiness can uplift.
Key Takeaway
Seek happiness, limit exposure to unnecessary suffering.
Themes
character
happiness
suffering
ethics
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- personal crises
- work stress
- family conflict
- health challenges
Key Concepts
psychology
human behavior
resilience
Questions to Reflect On
- Can adversity ever foster virtue?
- How can we transform suffering into growth?
A Different Perspective
Excessive happiness may lead to complacency.
![“Pain in life is inevitable but suffering is not. Pain is what the world does to you, suffering is what you do to yourself [by the way you think about the 'pain' you receive]. Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. [You can always be grateful that the pain is not worse in quality, quantity…” quote by Gautama Buddha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/faa/gautama-buddha-163_be-grateful_pain-in-life-is-inevitable-but-suffering_611620.jpg)
