--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Do not proffer sympathy to the mentally…" description: "\"Do not proffer sympathy to the mentally ill; it is a bottomless pit. Tell them firmly, \"I am not paid to listen to this drivel - you are a terminal foo..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e5a/william-s-burroughs-528_crazy_do-not-proffer-sympathy-to-the-mentally_2252620.png" --- # Do not proffer sympathy to the mentally ill; it is a… ![“Do not proffer sympathy to the mentally ill; it is a bottomless pit. Tell them firmly, "I am not paid to listen to this drivel - you are a terminal fool!" Otherwise, they make you as crazy as they are.” quote by William S. Burroughs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e5a/william-s-burroughs-528_crazy_do-not-proffer-sympathy-to-the-mentally_2252620.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e5a/william-s-burroughs-528_crazy_do-not-proffer-sympathy-to-the-mentally_2252620.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e5a/william-s-burroughs-528_crazy_do-not-proffer-sympathy-to-the-mentally_2252620.png) > “Do not proffer sympathy to the mentally ill; it is a bottomless pit. Tell them firmly, "I am not paid to listen to this drivel - you are a terminal fool!" Otherwise, they make you as crazy as they are.” [William S. Burroughs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-s-burroughs/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The speaker dismisses empathy for the mentally ill, treating them as burdens and insulting them, suggesting that such attitudes can drive one to madness. **In simple terms:** Rejecting empathy harms both parties. Key Takeaway Avoid demeaning language; seek understanding. Themes empathy mental health communication Mood cynical harsh Type critical controversial When to use this quote - clinical settings - family discussions - online forums - support groups Key Concepts stigma power dynamics psychology Questions to Reflect On - How would you respond to someone in crisis? - What are healthier ways to set boundaries? A Different Perspective Such harshness can exacerbate suffering and alienate help. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Fool](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fool/) [Ill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ill/) [Mentally ill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mentally-ill/) [Sympathy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sympathy/) ## Related quotes > [The biggest journalistic game-changer of our time has been the rise of social media and the overgrowth of faux news sources - league- and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-lipsyte/the-biggest-journalistic-game-changer-of-our-time-has-been-the-rise/) [Robert Lipsyte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-lipsyte/) > [What drivel it all is!... A string of words called religion. Another string of words called philosophy. 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