Self-pity is easily the most destructive of the non-pharmaceutical narcotics; it is addictive, gives momentary pleasure and separates the victim from reality. – John W. Gardner

Of all the infirmities we have, the most savage is to despise our being. – Michel de Montaigne

There are few human emotions as warm, comforting, and enveloping as self-pity. And nothing is more corrosive and destructive. There is only one answer; turn away from it and move on. – Dr Megan Reik

I never saw a wild thing
sorry for itself;
A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough
without ever having felt sorry for itself. – D. H. (David Herbert) Lawrence