Full Idea
We ought not to share distresses ourselves for the sake of others, but we ought to relieve others of their distress if we can.
Gist of Idea
We should not share the distress of others, but simply try to relieve it
Source
M. Tullius Cicero (Tusculan Disputations [c.44 BCE], IV.xxvi.56)
Book Reference
Cicero: 'Tusculan Disputations', ed/tr. King,J.E. [Harvard Loeb 1927], p.391
A Reaction
This strikes me as a sensible and balanced attitude. Some people, particularly in a Christian culture, urge that feeling strong and painful compassion for others is an intrinsic good, but the commonsense view is that that just increases human suffering.