“We forget our pleasures, we remember our sufferings.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“We forget our pleasures, we remember our sufferings.”
Explanation
Cicero reflects on the uneven imprint that pleasure and pain leave on the human mind, observing that pleasure fades quickly from memory, while suffering tends to linger. Pain often carries greater emotional intensity and lasting psychological impact, making it more deeply etched into our consciousness than fleeting moments of joy. This quote speaks to a universal human tendency: we are shaped more by what wounds us than by what delights us.
This insight aligns with Cicero’s understanding of moral psychology, influenced by Stoicism and his own experience with personal and political adversity. For him, recognizing this imbalance is part of cultivating philosophical resilience—understanding that suffering is inevitable and enduring, while pleasure is often temporary and easily forgotten. Such awareness prepares the mind to face hardship with reason and fortitude, rather than being overwhelmed by it.
In today’s world, Cicero’s observation resonates with findings in psychology, where negative experiences are known to have stronger and longer-lasting effects than positive ones—a phenomenon known as the “negativity bias.” His words challenge us to consciously cultivate gratitude and savor joy, while also learning from pain without allowing it to define us. In doing so, we strive for a more balanced and resilient emotional life.
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