"There is no pain so great as the memory of joy in present grief"
- Aeschylus
About this Quote
This quote by Aeschylus speaks with the power of memory and the pain that can come with it. It suggests that the discomfort of sorrow can be worsened by the memories of delight that we have experienced in the past. This is because when we remain in a state of sorrow, we are advised of the joy that we have lost and this can be a source of great pain. The quote also talks to the concept that sorrow can be made worse by the contrast between the delight we have experienced in the past and the unhappiness we are feeling in today. It suggests that the discomfort of sorrow can be intensified by the memories of joy that we have experienced in the past. This is since when we remain in a state of sorrow, we are advised of the happiness that we have actually lost and this can be a source of excellent pain. The quote likewise speaks with the idea that grief can be intensified by the contrast between the happiness we have experienced in the past and the unhappiness we are feeling in the present. It is a tip that although grief can be difficult to bear, it is necessary to remember the happiness that we have experienced in the past and to take comfort in the understanding that it can still be found in today.
"As your faith is strengthened you will find that there is no longer the need to have a sense of control, that things will flow as they will, and that you will flow with them, to your great delight and benefit"