“I don't want to drop salt on the wound, as it already hurts.”

Source: Infinite Jest

Source: 13 Little Blue Envelopes

"The Salt of the Earth"
Source: The Harsh Voice: Four Short Novels (1935)

Source: Witches Abroad

Progress, Coexistence and Intellectual Freedom (1968), Dangers, Police Dictatorships
Context: From 1936 to 1939 more than 1.2 million Party members, half of the total membership, were arrested. Only fifty thousand regained freedom; the others were tortured during interrogation or were shot (six hundred thousand) or died in camps. Only in isolated cases were the rehabilitated allowed to assume responsible posts; even fewer were permitted to take part in the investigation of crimes of which they had been witnesses or victims.
We are often told lately not to "rub salt into wounds." This is usually being said by people who suffered no wounds. Actually only the most meticulous analysis of the past and of its consequences will now enable us to wash off the blood and dirt that befouled our banner.

Vorkosigan Saga, Borders of Infinity (1989)

Source: Hollywood

The Last Lecture (2008)

Source: Beastly