We look before and after,
And pine for what is not,
Our sincerest laughter
read more

We look before and after,
And pine for what is not,
Our sincerest laughter
With some pain is fraught:
Our sweetest songs are those that tell of saddest thought.

What is the source of sadness, but feebleness of the mind? What giveth it power but the want of reason? read more

What is the source of sadness, but feebleness of the mind? What giveth it power but the want of reason? Rouse thyself to the combat, and she quitteth the field before thou strikest.

Of all tales 'tis the saddest--and more sad,
Because it makes us smile.

Of all tales 'tis the saddest--and more sad,
Because it makes us smile.

If you see a friend without a smile; give him one of yours.

If you see a friend without a smile; give him one of yours.

Every man has his secret sorrows which the world knows not; and often times we call a man cold when read more

Every man has his secret sorrows which the world knows not; and often times we call a man cold when he is only sad.

Anger, tears and sadness are only for those who have given up

Anger, tears and sadness are only for those who have given up

A feeling of sadness and longing,
That is not akin to pain,
And resembles sorrow only
read more

A feeling of sadness and longing,
That is not akin to pain,
And resembles sorrow only
As the mist resembles the rain.

Yet be sad, good brothers,
For, by my faith, it very well becomes you.
Sorrow so royally read more

Yet be sad, good brothers,
For, by my faith, it very well becomes you.
Sorrow so royally in you appears
That I will deeply put the fashion on
And wear it in my heart.

No society has been able to abolish human sadness, no political system can deliver us from the pain of living, read more

No society has been able to abolish human sadness, no political system can deliver us from the pain of living, from our fear of death, our thirst for the absolute. It is the human condition that directs the social condition, not vice versa.