All commend patience, but none can endure to suffer

All commend patience, but none can endure to suffer

Thomas Fuller, a 17th-century English churchman and historian, is known for his wise and insightful sayings that continue to resonate with people today. One of his most famous quotes is, “All commend patience, but none can endure to suffer.” This statement speaks to the human tendency to value patience in theory, but struggle to actually practice it when faced with adversity or suffering.

Patience is often seen as a virtue, a quality that allows individuals to remain calm and composed in the face of challenges or difficulties. It is the ability to wait without becoming frustrated or agitated, to endure hardships with grace and fortitude. In many religious and philosophical traditions, patience is considered a key component of moral character and spiritual growth.

However, as Fuller astutely observes, while patience may be praised and admired in theory, it is much harder to put into practice when one is actually experiencing suffering. When faced with pain, loss, or adversity, our natural instinct is often to seek immediate relief or escape. We may become impatient, anxious, or even angry, unable to bear the discomfort of our circumstances.

This paradoxical relationship between patience and suffering is a common theme in literature, art, and philosophy. It reflects the complex and contradictory nature of human emotions and behavior. While we may aspire to be patient and resilient in the face of adversity, the reality is that suffering can test our limits and push us to our breaking point.

Fuller’s quote serves as a reminder that true patience is not just about waiting for things to get better, but also about enduring the pain and hardship that may come with the passage of time. It challenges us to confront our own limitations and weaknesses, and to strive for greater self-awareness and self-control in the face of suffering.