more on this theme | more from this thinker | more from this text
Full Idea
If we had to experience sorrow or fear every time that we mentioned these emotions, no one would be willing to speak of them.
Gist of Idea
We would avoid remembering sorrow or fear if that triggered the emotions afresh
Source
Augustine (Confessions [c.398], X.14)
Book Ref
Augustine: 'Confessions', ed/tr. Pine-Coffin,R.S. [Penguin 1961], p.221
A Reaction
Remembering the death of a loved one can trigger fresh grief, but remembering their dangerous illness from which they recovered no longer contains the feeling of fear.