"The display of grief makes more demands than grief itself. How few men are sad in their own company"

This quote by Lucius Annaeus Seneca speaks to the concept that individuals typically put on a program of sorrow in order to gain compassion and attention from others. He recommends that the display of sorrow is often more demanding than the real experience of sorrow itself. He suggests that individuals frequently use their grief as a way to control others and acquire attention. He also suggests that few people are truly sad in their own company, as they do not require to place on a program of grief in order to gain sympathy. This quote talks to the idea that individuals typically utilize their grief as a way to get attention and compassion from others, rather than handling their grief in a more personal and individual way. It likewise suggests that people are frequently more comfortable with revealing their grief in the presence of others, rather than in their own business. This quote speaks with the concept that individuals often use their grief as a method to control others and gain attention, instead of handling their grief in a more truthful and authentic method.