Nothing is more durable than the dynasty of Doubt; for he reigns in the hearts of all his people, but gives satisfaction to none of them, and yet he is the only despot who can never die, while any of his subjects live.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
The benevolent have the advantage of the envious, even in this present life; for the envious man is tormented not only by all the ill that befalls himself, but by all the good that happens to another; whereas the benevolent man is the better prepared to bear his own calamities unruffled, from the complacency and serenity he has secured from contemplating the prosperity of all around him.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Benevolence brings peace, while envy leads to torment.
This quote highlights the contrasting mental states of benevolence and envy. It suggests that benevolent individuals find solace and strength in the happiness of others, making it easier for them to handle their own difficulties. In contrast, envious individuals suffer not only from their misfortunes but also from witnessing the successes of others, leading to a constant state of distress. Ultimately, the quote promotes the idea that a benevolent mindset contributes to personal well-being and resilience.
Themes
BenevolenceEnvySerenityProsperityCalamity
In practice
Example use cases
Sharing this quote during a motivational speech about personal growth.
More from Charles Caleb Colton
All quotes →It is astonishing how much more people are interested in lengthening life than improving it.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
Happiness, that grand mistress of the ceremonies in the dance of life, impels us through all its mazes and meanderings, but leads none of us by the same route.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
Our minds are as different as our faces. We are all traveling to one destination: happiness, but few are going by the same road.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
Moderation is the inseparable companion of wisdom, but with it genius has not even a nodding acquaintance.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
There are three kinds of praise, that which we yield, that which we lend, and that which we pay. We yield it to the powerful from fear, we lend it to the weak from interest, and we pay it to the deserving from gratitude.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
Similar quotes
Mysticism has been in the past and probably ever will be one of the great powers of the world and it is bad scholarship to pretend the contrary.
William Butler YeatsRead
Surely a long life must be somewhat tedious, since we are forced to call in so many trifling things to help rid us of our time, which will never return.
Samuel JohnsonRead
Surrendering to jargon is a sign of journalism's dismal lack of self-confidence in the optimized age of content-management systems.
George PackerRead
Anyone afraid of what he thinks television does to the world is probably just afraid of the world.
Clive JamesRead
Freemasonry is an ancient and respectable institution, embracing individuals of every nation, of every religion, and of every condition in life. Wealth, power and talents are not necessary to the person of a Freemason. An unblemished character and a virtuous conduct are the only qualifications for admission into the Order.
Andrew JacksonRead
Some people seem to believe that for each problem there is a solution readily available - a solution that can be promptly achieved by passing a law and voting some money. I think of this as the vending machine concept of social change. Put a coin in the machine and out comes a piece of candy. If there is a social problem, pass a law and out comes a solution.
John W. GardnerRead