“We should feel sorrow, but not sink under its oppression.”
- 551 BC – 479 BC
- Han ethnicity
- Philosopher, educator, politician
- Known as the founder of Confucianism, he had a major impact on Chinese culture and the whole of East Asia through his teachings on ethics, morality, and politics.
Quote
“We should feel sorrow, but not sink under its oppression.”
Explanation
In this saying, Confucius emphasizes the importance of acknowledging emotions without being overwhelmed by them. He encourages us to experience sorrow—a natural and necessary response to loss or hardship—but to maintain resilience and avoid being consumed by it. For Confucius, wisdom involves balance: we should allow ourselves to feel deeply, yet also cultivate the strength to move forward and continue living with purpose.
This teaching is particularly relevant today, where mental health challenges and emotional pressures can sometimes feel overwhelming. Experiencing sorrow in response to difficult events is healthy, but sinking under its weight can lead to despair and inaction. For instance, after a personal loss, it’s natural to grieve, but it’s also important to seek support and find ways to reconnect with life over time. Developing resilience allows us to honor our emotions while gradually healing and rediscovering hope.
Confucius’s insight encourages us to seek a balanced approach to sorrow. By accepting our pain without letting it control us, we cultivate inner strength and emotional stability. This approach allows us to grow through hardship while maintaining compassion, hope, and the ability to engage meaningfully with the world.
