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
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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.
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Our minds are as different as our faces. We are all traveling to one destination: happiness, but few are going by the same road.
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Moderation is the inseparable companion of wisdom, but with it genius has not even a nodding acquaintance.
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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.
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