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There is an ancient saying, famous among men, that thou shouldst not judge fully of a man's life before he dieth, whether it should be called blest or wretched.
Sophocles
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Interpretation

What this quote means

One should refrain from judging a person's life until after their death, as true value is revealed over time.

This quote by Sophocles reminds us that life's journey is complex and that the true worth of a person's existence can often only be understood in retrospect. Assessing someone’s life solely based on immediate circumstances may lead to inaccurate conclusions, as individuals evolve and their impact may unfold in unexpected ways over time.

Themes

JudgmentLifePerspectiveWorthReflection

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be used in a eulogy to reflect on a life well-lived.

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