People talked so foolishly, I thought, about the ennobling....

“ People talked so foolishly, I thought, about the ennobling effects of suffering. No doubt the philosophy that tells you your soul grows through grief and sorrow is right--ultimately. But I don't think this is the case at first. At first, pain beyond a certain point merely makes you lifeless, and apathetic to everything but itself. ”

Vera Brittain

From : Testament of Youth