emotions such as compassion and empathy This can result in people becoming emotionally detached unresponsive to the suffering of others and even ruthless in pursuing their goals Yeats appears to be cautioning against the dehumanizing effects of extreme nationalism or zealotry Individuals become so committed to their cause that they lose sight of their humanity and the humanity of others It's a warning about the dangers of unwavering dedication to a cause at the expense of one's capacity for empathy and compassion In a broader sense this line conveys the universal human experience of enduring sacrifices for various reasons ideals beliefs or personal goals and how these sacrifices can impact one's character and emotional well-being It inspires reflection on the balance between commitment and empathy suggesting that an excessive focus on the former can turn the heart into something unfeeling and unyielding like a stone In summary W B Yeats' line Too long a sacrifice can make a stone of the heart is a powerful reminder of the dehumanizing effects of prolonged sacrifice and the importance of maintaining one's humanity even in the face of deeply held convictions or struggles