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Adversity Quote by William Shakespeare

“A wretched soul, bruised with adversity, We bid be quiet when we hear it cry. But were we burd'ned with like weight of pain, As much or more we should ourselves complain: So thou, that hast no unkind mate to grieve thee, With urging helpless patience wouldst relieve me; But if thou live to see…” quote by William Shakespeare
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“A wretched soul, bruised with adversity, We bid be quiet when we hear it cry. But were we burd'ned with like weight of pain, As much or more we should ourselves complain: So thou, that hast no unkind mate to grieve thee, With urging helpless patience wouldst relieve me; But if thou live to see like right bereft, This fool-begged patience in thee will be left.”

William Shakespeare

About This Quote

Source Play: King Lear by William Shakespeare, 1605

Enduring suffering should be acknowledged rather than ignored; silence can deepen pain, and patience alone may not heal.

In simple terms: Suffering needs to be heard, not just endured.

Key Takeaway

Listen to pain and offer support.

Themes

compassion suffering silence patience empathy

Mood

tragic reflective

Type

dramatic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • counseling
  • grief support
  • personal reflection
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

human resilience emotional expression psychological endurance

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we balance patience with active support?
  • When is silence harmful?
A Different Perspective

Patience without action can become passive acceptance.

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