“Dogs are wise. They crawl away into a quiet corner and lick their wounds and do not rejoin the world until they are whole once more.”
- September 15, 1890 – January 12, 1976
- British
- Author
- The detective novel series (such as “And Then There Were None”) featuring the fictional detectives “Hercule Poirot” and “Miss Marple” became a worldwide hit.
Quote
“Dogs are wise. They crawl away into a quiet corner and lick their wounds and do not rejoin the world until they are whole once more.”
Explanation
In this quote, Agatha Christie draws a parallel between the healing process in animals and humans, highlighting the wisdom in allowing oneself time to recover after emotional or physical pain. She observes that dogs instinctively retreat to a quiet, safe place to lick their wounds and take time to heal, showing that healing requires solitude, reflection, and self-care. Christie seems to suggest that, much like dogs, humans also need periods of withdrawal to process their pain and return to the world when they are ready—whole again. This advice speaks to the importance of self-care and the need to respect our own boundaries when dealing with emotional hurt or trauma.
Christie’s characters often face emotional wounds or moral dilemmas that leave them reeling, and she portrays their journeys toward healing with sensitivity. Whether it’s Poirot’s introspection or Miss Marple’s quiet wisdom, her protagonists often go through moments of solitude or quiet reflection to regain their strength. Christie’s view reflects her own understanding of resilience and healing; she herself faced significant personal challenges but continued to persevere and find strength, much like the dogs in her metaphor.
In modern terms, this quote resonates with today’s growing understanding of mental health and the importance of taking time to heal from emotional distress. In a world that often values productivity and quick recovery, Christie’s words encourage us to slow down, give ourselves permission to retreat, and allow time for self-healing before re-engaging with the world. Whether it’s after a loss, a failure, or a personal setback, the idea of “licking one’s wounds” and taking time for recovery is a reminder that healing requires patience, and that the wisdom of rest can help restore us to a place where we are ready to face the world once again.
