Pain Principle

The Pain Principle German poet Herman Hesse wrote, “If you hate a person, you hate something in him that is part of yourself. What isn’t part of ourselves doesn’t disturb us.” When hurting people lash out, it is in response to what’s happening inside them more than what’s happening around them. They feel or believe something negative within themselves. The problem is that people who don’t believe in themselves will never succeed, and they will also keep those around them from succeeding.

Not only do hurting people hurt others, but they are also easily hurt by others. As you interact with others, remember this: Any time a person’s response is larger than the issue at hand, the response is almost always about something else. If you find yourself dealing with a hurting person, don’t take it personally. Look beyond the person and the situation for the problem. Try not to add to his or her hurt. Forgive those who lash out at you, try to help them and move on.

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Soundview Executive Book Summaries John C. Maxwell "Winning with People"