Pain hardens, and great pain hardens greatly, whatever the comforters say, and suffering does not ennoble, though it may occasionally lend a certain rigid dignity of manner to the suffering frame.

Summary

This quote suggests that contrary to what comforters may claim, pain and great suffering do not bring about any uplifting or noble qualities in a person. Instead, pain tends to make a person hardened, emotionally and mentally. Even though suffering may temporarily give a sense of solemnity or dignity to the person enduring it, it does not elevate or ennoble them in any significant way. The quote challenges the notion that suffering inherently leads to personal growth or enlightenment.

Topics