Painful Experiences quotes

Painful Experiences

29 quotes on this topic — from poets, philosophers, and thinkers across history.

29 quotes
Wayne Dyer
Wayne Dyer Author, Motivational Speaker

"As I look back at the entire tapestry of my life, I can see from the perspective of the present moment that every aspect of my life was necessary and perfect. Each step eventually led to a higher place, even though these steps often felt like obstacles or painful experiences."

Paramahansa Yogananda
Paramahansa Yogananda Spiritual Teacher, Author

"You cannot make steel until you have made the iron white-hot in fire. It is not meant for harm. Trouble and disease have a lesson for us. Our painful experiences are not meant to destroy us, but to burn out our dross, to hurry us back Home. No one is more anxious for our release than God."

Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra Singer, Actor

"I think being jilted is one of life's most painful experiences. It takes a long time to heal a broken heart. It's happened to all of us and never gets any easier. I understand, however, that playing one of my albums can help."

Explore further

Browse quotes that often appear alongside painful experiences — connected by shared ideas and recurring themes.

Quote collection

Painful Experiences quotes (page 1 of 2)

Follow a thought to its author, or read the full quote page.

Felix Adler Philosopher, Social Reformer
Painful Experiences

"By what sort of experience are we led to the conviction that spirit exists? On the whole, by searching, painful experience. The rose Religion grows on a thorn-bush, and we must not be afraid to have our fingers lacerated by the thorns if we would pluck the rose."

Read quote 10 likes
Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil Rights Leader
Painful Experiences

"We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. Frankly I have never yet engaged in a direct action movement that was 'well timed,' according to the timetable of those who have not suffered unduly from the disease of segregation. For years now I have heard the word 'Wait!' It rings in the ear of every Negro with a piercing familiarity. This 'wait' has almost always meant 'never.' We must come to see with the distinguished jurist of yesterday that 'justice too long delayed is justice denied.'"

Read quote 9 likes
Jonathan Cain Musician, Songwriter
Painful Experiences

"Most people who have grown up introverted in this very extroverted culture of ours have had painful experiences of feeling like they are out of step with what's expected of them. Parenting can pose unique challenges for introverted parents, who fear that their own painful experiences will be repeated in their children's lives."

Read quote 7 likes
Susan Cain Author, Speaker
Painful Experiences

"Most people who have grown up introverted in this very extroverted culture of ours have had painful experiences of feeling like they are out of step with what's expected of them."

Read quote 6 likes
Pema Chodron Buddhist Teacher, Author
Painful Experiences

"Over time, as the thinking mind begins to settle [through the practice of meditation], we’ll start to see our patterns and habits far more clearly. Sometimes this can be a painful experience. I can’t overestimate the importance of accepting ourselves exactly as we are right now, not as we wish we were or think we ought to be. By cultivating nonjudgmental openness to ourselves and to whatever arises, to our surprise and delight we will find ourselves genuinely welcoming the never-pin-downable quality of life, experiencing it as a friend, a teacher, and a support, and no longer as an enemy."

Read quote 5 likes