--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The natural effect of sorrow over the…" description: "\"The natural effect of sorrow over the dead is to refine and elevate the mind.\" — Washington Irving" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9e8/washington-irving-1386_grief_the-natural-effect-of-sorrow-over-the-de_2474178.png" --- # The natural effect of sorrow over the dead is to refine… ![“The natural effect of sorrow over the dead is to refine and elevate the mind.” quote by Washington Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9e8/washington-irving-1386_grief_the-natural-effect-of-sorrow-over-the-de_2474178.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9e8/washington-irving-1386_grief_the-natural-effect-of-sorrow-over-the-de_2474178.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9e8/washington-irving-1386_grief_the-natural-effect-of-sorrow-over-the-de_2474178.png) > “The natural effect of sorrow over the dead is to refine and elevate the mind.” [Washington Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/washington-irving/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Sorrow for loss can sharpen thinking and lift it to higher understanding. **In simple terms:** Grief can improve the mind. Key Takeaway Use grief as a catalyst for growth. Themes grief mindfulness growth Mood reflective somber Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - personal loss - creative work - spiritual contemplation Key Concepts philosophy emotional refinement Questions to Reflect On - How can you channel sorrow into insight? - What practices help elevate the mind during grief? A Different Perspective Grief may also cause stagnation if not processed. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Grief](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/grief/) [Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mind/) [Nature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nature/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) [Sorrow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sorrow/) ## Related quotes > [The sorrow for the dead is the only sorrow from which we refuse to be divorced.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/washington-irving/the-sorrow-for-the-dead-is-the-only-sorrow-from-which-we-refuse-to-be/) [Washington Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/washington-irving/) > [Many people misjudge the permanent effect of sorrow, and their capacity to live in the past.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ivy-compton-burnett/many-people-misjudge-the-permanent-effect-of-sorrow-and-their/) [Ivy Compton-Burnett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ivy-compton-burnett/) > [“There was no sign of any life, just erratic hints of a faded sun peeking down with sorrow on the dead world it once…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/c-j-anderson/there-was-no-sign-of-any-life-just-erratic-hints-of-a-faded-sun/) [C.J. Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/c-j-anderson/) > [ I don't think the human effect \[of climate change\] is significant compared to the natural effect. ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harrison-schmitt/i-don-t-think-the-human-effect-of-climate-change-is-significant/) [Harrison Schmitt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harrison-schmitt/) > [This is the effect of panic, a natural effect, you could say that animal nature is like this, plant life would behave in exactly…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/this-is-the-effect-of-panic-a-natural-effect-you-could-say-that/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“The natural effect of processes going on in the Universe is to move from a state of order to a state of disorder, unless…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-gribbin/the-natural-effect-of-processes-going-on-in-the-universe-is-to-move/) [John Gribbin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-gribbin/) > [Peace is a natural effect of trade.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/peace-is-a-natural-effect-of-trade/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Give yourself a break and med-it-tate. Elevate your mind to find what lies behind the wall of mind. No need to rewind just.climb. JourneyofMind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sonny-long/give-yourself-a-break-and-med-it-tate-elevate-your-mind-to-find-what/) [Sonny Long](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sonny-long/) > [“Excellent friend! how sincerely did you love me, and endeavour to elevate my mind until it was on a level with your own. ”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-shelley/excellent-friend-how-sincerely-did-you-love-me-and-endeavour-to/) [Mary Shelley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-shelley/) > [“Elevate your mind and you elevate your world.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matshona-dhliwayo/elevate-your-mind-and-you-elevate-your-world/) [Matshona Dhliwayo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matshona-dhliwayo/) > [Love is blind. It will take over your mind. What you think is love, is truly not. You need to elevate your mind.à](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/love-is-blind-it-will-take-over-your-mind-what-you-think-is-love-is/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Elevate yourself keep your mind ever ready steady.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/caleb/elevate-yourself-keep-your-mind-ever-ready-steady/) [Caleb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/caleb/) > [The greatest formula that can liberate, cleanse and elevate the mind is Rama-Name, the Name of Rama.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sathya-sai-baba/the-greatest-formula-that-can-liberate-cleanse-and-elevate-the-mind/) [Sathya Sai Baba](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sathya-sai-baba/) > [When we contemplate the world of Epicurus, and conceive the universe to be a fortuitous jumble of atoms, there is nothing grand in this…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-reid/when-we-contemplate-the-world-of-epicurus-and-conceive-the-universe/) [Thomas Reid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-reid/) > [You felt a deep sorrow, the kind of melancholy you feel when you're in a beautiful place and the sun is going down](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thrity-umrigar/you-felt-a-deep-sorrow-the-kind-of-melancholy-you-feel-when-you-re-in/) [Thrity Umrigar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thrity-umrigar/) ## More by Washington Irving > [Some minds corrode and grow inactive under the loss of personal liberty; others grow morbid and irritable; but it is the nature of the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/washington-irving/some-minds-corrode-and-grow-inactive-under-the-loss-of-personal/) [Washington Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/washington-irving/) > [Language gradually varies, and with it fade away the writings of authors who have flourished their allotted time; otherwise, the creative powers of genius…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/washington-irving/language-gradually-varies-and-with-it-fade-away-the-writings-of/) [Washington Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/washington-irving/) > [A woman's life is a history of the affections.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/washington-irving/a-woman-s-life-is-a-history-of-the-affections/) [Washington Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/washington-irving/) > [A father may turn his back on his child, brothers and sisters may become inveterate enemies, husbands may desert their wives, wives their husbands.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/washington-irving/a-father-may-turn-his-back-on-his-child-brothers-and-sisters-may/) [Washington Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/washington-irving/) > [Over no nation does the press hold a more absolute control than over the people of America, for the universal education of the poorest…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/washington-irving/over-no-nation-does-the-press-hold-a-more-absolute-control-than-over/) [Washington Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/washington-irving/) > [I have never found, in anything outside of the four walls of my study, an enjoyment equal to sitting at my writing desk with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/washington-irving/i-have-never-found-in-anything-outside-of-the-four-walls-of-my-study/) [Washington Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/washington-irving/) > [There is no character in the comedy of human life more difficult to play well than that of an old bachelor.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/washington-irving/there-is-no-character-in-the-comedy-of-human-life-more-difficult-to/) [Washington Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/washington-irving/) > [He who thinks much says but little in proportion to his thoughts. He selects that language which will convey his ideas in the most…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/washington-irving/he-who-thinks-much-says-but-little-in-proportion-to-his-thoughts-he/) [Washington Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/washington-irving/) > [A woman's whole life is a history of the affections. The heart is her world: it is there her ambition strives for empire; it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/washington-irving/a-woman-s-whole-life-is-a-history-of-the-affections-the-heart-is-her/) [Washington Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/washington-irving/) > [Redundancy of language is never found with deep reflection. Verbiage may indicate observation, but not thinking. He who thinks much says but little in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/washington-irving/redundancy-of-language-is-never-found-with-deep-reflection-verbiage/) [Washington Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/washington-irving/) > [History fades into fable; fact becomes clouded with doubt and controversy; the inscription molders from the tablet: the statue falls from the pedestal. Columns,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/washington-irving/history-fades-into-fable-fact-becomes-clouded-with-doubt-and/) [Washington Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/washington-irving/) > [There is a majestic grandeur in tranquillity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/washington-irving/there-is-a-majestic-grandeur-in-tranquillity/) [Washington Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/washington-irving/) > [There rise authors now and then, who seem proof against the mutability of language, because they have rooted themselves in the unchanging principles of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/washington-irving/there-rise-authors-now-and-then-who-seem-proof-against-the-mutability/) [Washington Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/washington-irving/) > [There is nothing in England that exercises a more delightful spell over my imagination than the lingerings of the holiday customs and rural games…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/washington-irving/there-is-nothing-in-england-that-exercises-a-more-delightful-spell/) [Washington Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/washington-irving/) > [It is but seldom that any one overt act produces hostilities between two nations; there exists, more commonly, a previous jealousy and ill will,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/washington-irving/it-is-but-seldom-that-any-one-overt-act-produces-hostilities-between/) [Washington Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/washington-irving/) [Explore all 244 Washington Irving quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/washington-irving/) ## More Grief quotes > [“...they had lived, they'd lived intensely. But no matter how deeply you live, it comes to this in the end: one of you will…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-morton/they-had-lived-they-d-lived-intensely-but-no-matter-how-deeply-you/) [Brian Morton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-morton/) > [“You must understand the pain and grief of losing someone is nothing more than a function of survival.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steven-cooper/you-must-understand-the-pain-and-grief-of-losing-someone-is-nothing/) [Steven Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steven-cooper/) > [You felt a deep sorrow, the kind of melancholy you feel when you're in a beautiful place and the sun is going down](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thrity-umrigar/you-felt-a-deep-sorrow-the-kind-of-melancholy-you-feel-when-you-re-in/) [Thrity Umrigar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thrity-umrigar/) > [... how much of our inner substance is it good for us to give to public griefs? The whole modern tendency to agonize over…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louise-bogan/how-much-of-our-inner-substance-is-it-good-for-us-to-give-to-public/) [Louise Bogan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louise-bogan/) > [You dont choose your life; it chooses you. Theres no point asking why life has reserved certain joys or griefs, you just accept them…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paulo-coelho/you-dont-choose-your-life-it-chooses-you-theres-no-point-asking-why/) [Paulo Coelho](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paulo-coelho/) > [“When we learn to attribute meaning to the events in our lives, we connect with our Higher Purpose, Higher Wisdom, or Source; we become…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/susan-barbara-apollon/when-we-learn-to-attribute-meaning-to-the-events-in-our-lives-we/) [Susan Barbara Apollon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/susan-barbara-apollon/) > [Only to have a grief equal to all these tears!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adrienne-rich/only-to-have-a-grief-equal-to-all-these-tears/) [Adrienne Rich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adrienne-rich/) > [Nowadays most people wear black most of the time anyway: go to a literary party and one would imagine everyone there was in perpetual…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fay-weldon/nowadays-most-people-wear-black-most-of-the-time-anyway-go-to-a/) [Fay Weldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fay-weldon/) > [Suppressed grief suffocates, it rages within the breast, and is forced to multiply its strength.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ovid/suppressed-grief-suffocates-it-rages-within-the-breast-and-is-forced/) [Ovid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ovid/) > [That Woman is in love with her own grief.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gabrielle-zevin/that-woman-is-in-love-with-her-own-grief/) [Gabrielle Zevin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gabrielle-zevin/) > [Short time seems long in sorrow's sharp sustaining.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-shakespeare/short-time-seems-long-in-sorrow-s-sharp-sustaining/) [William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shakespeare/) > [These days grief seems like walking on a frozen river; most of the time he feels safe enough, but there is always that danger…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-nicholls/these-days-grief-seems-like-walking-on-a-frozen-river-most-of-the/) [David Nicholls](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-nicholls/) > [“You've been my beacon of light in my storm of grief, and I don't know if I could live without you.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/katie-ashley/you-ve-been-my-beacon-of-light-in-my-storm-of-grief-and-i-don-t-know/) [Katie Ashley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/katie-ashley/) > [Ancient eyes had stared at me, filled with ancient grief. And something more. Something so alien and unexpected that I'd almost burst into tears.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karen-marie-moning/ancient-eyes-had-stared-at-me-filled-with-ancient-grief-and-something/) [Karen Marie Moning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karen-marie-moning/) > [Meanwhile, the trees were just as green as before; the birds sang and the sun shone as clearly now as ever. The familiar surroundings…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-hardy/meanwhile-the-trees-were-just-as-green-as-before-the-birds-sang-and/) [Thomas Hardy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-hardy/) [Browse all 8,012 Grief quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/grief/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "The natural effect of sorrow over the dead is to refine and elevate the mind.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Washington Irving" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/washington-irving/the-natural-effect-of-sorrow-over-the-dead-is-to-refine-and-elevate/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Grief" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/washington-irving/the-natural-effect-of-sorrow-over-the-dead-is-to-refine-and-elevate/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9e8/washington-irving-1386_grief_the-natural-effect-of-sorrow-over-the-de_2474178.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9e8/washington-irving-1386_grief_the-natural-effect-of-sorrow-over-the-de_2474178.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9e8/washington-irving-1386_grief_the-natural-effect-of-sorrow-over-the-de_2474178.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“The natural effect of sorrow over the dead is to refine and elevate the mind.” — Washington Irving", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Washington Irving", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/washington-irving/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "The natural effect of sorrow over...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/washington-irving/the-natural-effect-of-sorrow-over-the-dead-is-to-refine-and-elevate/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/washington-irving/the-natural-effect-of-sorrow-over-the-dead-is-to-refine-and-elevate/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```