Pascal: A man in distress cannot empathize with the misfortune of others.
This quote by Blaise Pascal suggests that when a person is experiencing their own suffering or distress, their ability to empathize with the struggles or misfortunes of others is significantly diminished. In such states of hardship, individuals often become preoccupied with their own pain, which can lead to a narrowed perspective. This means they might be less capable of recognizing or feeling compassion for the difficulties faced by others because their focus is primarily on their own situation. Essentially, Pascal is highlighting the notion that personal turmoil can create a barrier to understanding and connecting with the experiences of others.
Author: Blaise Pascal