“To pity the unfortunate is not contrary to lust. On the contrary, we can quite well give such evidence of friendship, and accquire the reputation of kindly feeling, without giving anything” Pascal
2007-02-12 17:54:01 · 6 answers · asked by LinkTetra 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Quotations
“To pity the unfortunate is not contrary to lust. On the contrary, we can quite well give such evidence of friendship, and accquire the reputation of kindly feeling, without giving anything” Pascal
Whew. I actually had to think about this for awhile, confusing quote, almost useless. In the first sentence, He's saying that pitying the unfortunate is like lusting, i can only imagine like the whole of america that is tuned into the tragedies on television.
And in the second, paraphrased, "but you can make it appear we are their friends for listening while we're really only interested in the drama"
Now all together, "Pity is lusting, but you can make it appear we are their friends for listening while we're really only interested in the drama"
2007-02-12 18:33:03 · answer #1 · answered by icarusf1ying 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means when we pity people, we actually don't empathize with them but just do it for appearances. Likewise in friendships, we "pretend" to be a friend, but deep inside , we do not genuinely feel concern for our friend. It is similar to a quotation in the bible, which goes this way:
1 Corinthians 13:1-8a and 13
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. "
2007-02-13 05:52:19 · answer #2 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has to do with genuine sincerity.
You can feel such empathy for the less fortunate that others see you as someone that is willing to join them in their dire circumstance and share in their difficulties. Even though you do not actually do so.
Your sentiment alone is enough to give you a reputation as kind. True sacrifice is unnecessary.
2007-02-13 03:00:06 · answer #3 · answered by CKApple 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
even pity and friendship are motivated by selfish means
2007-02-13 02:01:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think it means that you can feel whatever emotion you want, it doesn't cost you anything. its actions that cost something
2007-02-13 02:03:34 · answer #5 · answered by JulyKid2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be sincere, even if you have to fake it.
2007-02-13 07:00:59 · answer #6 · answered by Lorenzo Steed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋