3606. GRIEF, Value of.—
When we put
into the same scale the abuses[of grief] with
the afflictions of soul which even the uses of
grief cost us, we may consider its value in the
economy of the human being, as equivocal at
least. Those afflictions cloud too great a portion
of life to find a counterpoise in any benefits
derived from its uses. For setting aside its
paroxysms on the occasions of special bereavements,
all the latter years of aged men are overshadowed
with its gloom. Whither, for instance,
can you and I look without seeing the
graves of those we have known? And whom
can we call up, of our early companions, who
has not left us to regret his loss? This, indeed,
may be one of the salutary effects of
grief.—
To John Adams. Washington ed. vii, 37.
(M.
1816)
