This quote by Sigmund Freud, a renowned psychoanalyst, delves into the psychology of loss and grief. He differentiates between mourning and melancholia, two states of mind that are often linked with sadness and despair, but are fundamentally different in their impact on the individual.

“Mourning” refers to the grief one experiences after a loss, typically the death of a loved one. In this state, the world appears to be “poor and empty,” as the person who is mourning feels a profound sense of loss and emptiness in their external environment. This is because a significant part of their world, the person they’ve lost, is no longer present.

On the other hand, “melancholia” is a state of chronic sadness or depression. Here, Freud suggests that it’s not the world that feels empty, but the person’s sense of self or “ego”. In other words, in melancholia, the individual perceives a deficiency or void within themselves rather than in the world around them.

Applying this concept in today’s world or personal development, it can be seen that mourning is a natural and necessary process after a loss. It helps us process our feelings and eventually come to terms with the reality of the loss. On the other hand, melancholia or chronic sadness often requires professional help. It can be a sign of clinical depression, which is a serious mental health condition that can affect an individual’s ability to function in their daily life.

In terms of personal development, understanding the difference between these two states can be crucial. It can help individuals recognize whether they are dealing with a natural grieving process or struggling with a deeper, more chronic form of sadness that might need professional intervention. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of mental health and self-awareness, encouraging individuals to pay attention to their emotional state and seek help when necessary.