Brutal Quote by W. Somerset Maugham
“One does not really feel much grief at other people's sorrows; one tries, and puts on a melancholy face, thinking oneself brutal for not caring more; but one cannot and it is better, for if one grieved too deeply at other people's tears, life would be unendurable; and every man has sufficient sorrows of his own without taking to heart his neighbour's.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Of Human Bondage, 1915
People often feign empathy but keep emotional distance to protect themselves; deep grief for others would overwhelm life, so we focus on our own sorrows.
In simple terms: We pretend not to care to avoid being overwhelmed.
Key Takeaway
Accept limited empathy and protect personal well‑being.
Themes
empathy
self‑preservation
emotional boundaries
Mood
reflective
balanced
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- therapy sessions
- support groups
Key Concepts
psychology
human behavior
coping mechanisms
Questions to Reflect On
- How much emotional energy should you allocate to others?
- When is it healthy to set emotional limits?
A Different Perspective
Over‑identifying with others' pain can cause burnout.
