If times are tough, or others are being unfair…

If times are tough, or others are being unfair or unkind, or you've just had some unpleasant news, or you wanted something and didn't get it, or you loved someone and were not loved in turn, or some other source of complaint is in evidence, clearance is given to feel sorry for yourself. When you're feeling sorry for yourself, you don't expect to help others or show them kindness, or to do important things, or even just to stop and smell the flowers. When you've got a grievance against the world, all the pressure is off

— from Who Is Flying (Self, Nature & Nurture)

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