When suffering knocks at your door and you say there is no seat for him, he tells you not to worry because he has brought his own stool.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote conveys the idea that suffering is an inevitable part of life and cannot be avoided. It suggests that when faced with adversity or hardship, denying or ignoring it is not a solution, as suffering has a way of persistently making itself known. It implies that instead of avoiding or denying suffering, one should acknowledge its presence and be prepared to face it with resilience and courage. It underscores the importance of acknowledging and confronting suffering head-on, rather than trying to avoid or evade it.
Who said the quote?
The quote "When suffering knocks at your door and you say there is no seat for him, he tells you not to worry because he has brought his own stool." was said by Chinua Achebe (Bio / Quotes). Chinua Achebe was a Nigerian author and poet who is best known for his novel "Things Fall Apart.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
The quote "When suffering knocks at your door and you say there is no seat for him, he tells you not to worry because he has brought his own stool" speaks to the inevitability of suffering and its persistence regardless of our efforts to avoid it. A historical example that illustrates this message is the experience of Winston Churchill during World War II.
Churchill, who became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in 1940, faced immense suffering during his tenure. The country was enduring the Blitz, a sustained bombing campaign by Nazi Germany, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. Despite Churchill’s rallying cry for resilience and fortitude, suffering was a constant companion, affecting every aspect of British life.
Churchill’s leadership was marked by his refusal to let suffering paralyze the nation. He recognized that suffering had already arrived, and instead of pretending it could be avoided, he faced it head-on. Churchill's determination to keep morale high and his ability to inspire hope amidst the dire circumstances reflected the essence of the quote. Even when it seemed there was no room for suffering, he embraced it and used it as a catalyst to unite and strengthen the resolve of the British people. His own "stool" was his unyielding spirit and eloquence, which provided a semblance of hope and direction through the darkest hours.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
In real life, the quote can be applied to personal challenges and setbacks. Consider someone facing a major life change, such as the loss of a job or a serious illness. Often, we try to avoid or ignore the suffering these events bring, hoping that it will simply go away. However, suffering, much like the quote implies, doesn’t ask for permission—it shows up with its own plans and its own "stool."
Applying the quote means accepting that suffering is part of life and will come regardless of our efforts to avoid it. Instead of denying its presence or trying to make it disappear, we can prepare ourselves to face it with resilience and adaptability. This might involve seeking support from friends and family, finding new ways to cope, or adjusting our goals and expectations in light of our circumstances.
For example, if someone is diagnosed with a chronic illness, they might initially struggle with the emotional impact of the diagnosis. By acknowledging that suffering is a part of this journey, they can begin to focus on finding ways to manage their condition effectively and seek comfort and strength in their support system. Rather than pushing away the discomfort, they embrace it and use it as a stepping stone towards personal growth and adaptation.
In essence, the quote encourages us to recognize that while we cannot always control the arrival of suffering, we can control how we respond to it. By welcoming it with a mindset of acceptance and preparedness, we can turn our trials into opportunities for growth and resilience.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
