“Who hurt you, once,so far beyond repairthat you would meet each overturewith curling lip?While we, who knew you well,your friends, (the focus of your scorn)could see your courage in the face of fear,your wit, and thoughtfulness,and will remember youwith something close to love.”
— Louise Penny
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“Who hurt you, once, so far beyond repair that you would meet each overture with curling lip? While we, who knew you well, your friends, (the focus of your scorn) could see your courage in the face of fear, your wit, and thoughtfulness, and will remember you with something close to love.” Sometimes, the most defensive hearts are simply those trying to protect their unhealed wounds. Have you ever had to love someone through their walls, or learned to let down your own? Share your thoughts on empathy and healing below. 👇✨
About this quote
We all build walls at some point, forging armor from old betrayals and unhealed wounds. Louise Penny’s poignant words remind us of the tragic beauty of those who push the world away to keep from being hurt again. When pain runs deep, it often masks itself as cynicism, skepticism, or a 'curling lip' aimed at those who try to get close. Yet, behind this defensive shield lies a soul of immense courage, wit, and vulnerability—qualities that true friends can always see, even when we try our hardest to hide them. The powerful life advice hidden in these lines is a call for radical empathy. It invites us to look past the bitter defenses of those we love, and to gently examine our own armor. If you are the one holding others at arm's length, realize that your past hurt does not define your capacity to be loved. Sometimes, the most difficult people to love are the ones who need it the most; choosing to remember them with compassion rather than resentment is how we heal the world, one heart at a time.
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Photo by Aisar Ahmed on Unsplash
