"Tears shed for self are tears of weakness, but tears shed for others are a sign of strength"

This quote by Billy Graham contrasts 2 kinds of psychological responses: those directed inward, and those directed external, toward others. It checks out the nature of tears and emotions, suggesting that where these psychological expressions originate can suggest various sort of individual strength or weak point.

When Graham speaks of "tears shed for self", he is describing the emotions we feel when we are taken in by our own struggles and dissatisfactions. In this context, tears are positioned as an indication of "weakness". This is not always a criticism of individual psychological expression but may suggest that focusing exclusively on oneself can often cause a type of self-centeredness or a failure to move forward constructively. It indicates that when we are overtaken by self-pity or self-absorption, we may be catching a kind of weakness, maybe due to the fact that it can indicate an absence of strength or the guts to deal with and get rid of individual difficulties.

On the other hand, "tears shed for others" are framed as a "indication of strength". This highlights the capability for compassion and compassion, where one's psychological energy is directed towards understanding and sharing the suffering or experiences of others. When an individual is transferred to tears by another's plight, it shows the ability to connect deeply on a psychological level, putting aside one's own concerns to feel genuine concern and uniformity with others. This type of emotional response requires strength due to the fact that it involves vulnerability, openness, and the willingness to support and assist others through their struggles. It can likewise imply ethical strength, as the tears become a driver for action to ease the suffering of others.

In essence, this quote encapsulates a philosophical view on human feeling, highlighting the transformative power of empathy as a more powerful, more exceptional quality than self-focused sadness. It motivates a shift in focus from the self to a broader human connection, recommending that real emotional strength is shown in our capability to feel for and respond to the needs of others.