More helpful than all wisdom is one draught of simple human pity that will not forsake us.

When someone is suffering, understanding is rarely the thing they need from you. Insight can be offered from a distance, while plain fellow feeling requires you to stay, and staying is both harder and more use. A person who sits with you and explains nothing gives you something no amount of good sense can replace. Being simple, it is also available to anyone.

If someone near you is having a bad time, resist the pull to be clever about it. Go, stay longer than is comfortable, and say little. Being unwilling to leave is most of the gift.