Quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld
What makes the pain we feel from shame and jealousy so cutting is that vanity can give us no assistance in bearing them.
Summary
This quote highlights how the emotions of shame and jealousy are particularly painful because our own vanity and self-importance cannot provide any relief or support while experiencing them. Unlike other emotions, where our ego or sense of self-worth may help us cope, shame and jealousy are deeply personal and confront us with our flaws and insecurities. Consequently, the quote suggests that these emotions are particularly difficult to overcome since our usual defense mechanisms, such as bolstering our own pride, are ineffective in dealing with their impact.