Speaking from experience, I can tell you that, as an adolescent, I was above all intimidated by human suffering. There was a time when I was afraid to approach those who were ill: I felt a sort of remorse when confronted with this suffering which I had been spared. In addition, I felt embarrassed; I thought that all I could say to the sick was only a "dud cheque" or rather a cheque drawn on their account, for it was they who were suffering, not I.

(John Paul II, Be not afraid, p 83)