"In any really good subject, one has only to probe deep enough to come to tears."

The core idea here is that when you truly dive into a subject—really get to the heart of it—you'll often find something profoundly moving. It’s like peeling back the layers of an onion; the deeper you go, the more you uncover, and sometimes, what you find can be so raw and powerful that it brings you to tears.

Historically, this sentiment has been echoed by writers, artists, and philosophers who believe that the essence of any meaningful pursuit reveals deep truths about the human experience. It’s about the intensity of feeling that comes from understanding something on a profound level.

Let’s take a real-life example to illustrate this. Imagine a scientist who has dedicated their life to studying climate change. At surface level, it’s a lot of data and figures. But as they delve deeper—seeing the impacts on communities, witnessing the loss of biodiversity, and understanding the long-term consequences—the emotional weight becomes overwhelming. It’s not just numbers anymore; it's lives, futures, and the planet at stake. This realization can be heartbreaking.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start with curiosity. Whether it's your career, a hobby, or a relationship, don’t settle for a superficial understanding. Ask questions, seek out stories, and look deeper. You might find that what seemed mundane or straightforward holds incredible emotional depth and significance. Don't shy away from the tears; they’re a sign you're engaging with something truly meaningful.

Now, let’s imagine a more relatable scenario. Think about a person who decides to trace their family history. At first, it’s just names and dates—grandparents, great-grandparents, places they lived. But as they dig deeper, they uncover letters, photographs, and personal stories. They learn about the hardships their ancestors faced, the love letters exchanged, the dreams that never came to fruition. This journey through time can be profoundly moving, connecting them to their roots in ways they never expected. The tears they shed are not just for the sorrows of the past but for the profound connection they feel to these long-gone relatives, understanding at a deep level what they went through.

In short, when you truly engage with a subject and explore it deeply, you're likely to encounter emotions that are intense and real. This depth can be both beautiful and painful, but it's always worth it. It makes your experience richer and more meaningful.

So, next time you’re tempted to skim the surface of something, remember—there’s a world beneath waiting to be discovered. And it’s in that depth where the true beauty and heartache lie. Don’t be afraid to go there. The tears you shed along the way are a testament to your journey to understanding.