The tongue is ever turning to the aching tooth

The tongue is ever turning to the aching tooth

Thomas Fuller, a 17th-century English churchman and historian, is often quoted as saying, "The tongue is ever turning to the aching tooth." This proverbial expression is a powerful reminder of the human tendency to focus on our own pain and suffering, often to the detriment of others.

In the context of Thomas Fuller's work, this quote can be interpreted as a commentary on human nature and the way we tend to prioritize our own needs and concerns over those of others. Just as a person with a toothache is constantly aware of the pain in their mouth, so too are we often consumed by our own troubles and struggles, to the exclusion of everything else.

Fuller's words serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of self-absorption and the importance of empathy and compassion towards others. When we are preoccupied with our own pain and suffering, we may fail to see the needs and struggles of those around us. Our tongues, like our thoughts and words, can easily be turned inward, focusing only on our own discomfort and ignoring the pain of others.

This quote also speaks to the universal experience of pain and suffering. Just as a toothache can be a constant source of discomfort and distraction, so too can emotional or psychological pain consume us and color our interactions with the world. Fuller's words remind us that we are all vulnerable to suffering and that we must strive to look beyond our own pain to see the needs of others.