Quote★★
In afflictions men generally draw their consolations out of books of morality, which indeed are of great use to fortify and strengthen the mind against the impressions of sorrow. Monsieur St. Evremont recommends authors who are apt fo stir up mirth in the minds of the readers, and fancies Don Quixote can give more relief to a heavy heart than Plutarch or Seneca, as it is much easier to divert grief than to conquer it. I should rather have recourse to authors of a quite contrary kind, that give us instances of calamities and misfortunes, and show human nature in its greatest distresses. Addison.
The point
Addison argues true comfort in affliction comes not from lighthearted diversion but from authors who honestly portray human calamity and suffering.
Tone
Comforting · Sobering
To tell aloud
under a minute · 104 words
Subjects