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Envy will merit, as its shade, pursue
Alexander Pope
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Envy often follows merit and can overshadow it.

This quote by Alexander Pope suggests that feelings of envy are often directed towards those who are accomplished or have merit. Envy acts as a shadow, indicating that it is a reaction to the success or qualities of others and can ultimately obscure the merits of both the envier and the envied.

Themes

EnvyMeritShadowSuccessPhilosophy

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about workplace dynamics, one could use this quote to highlight how envy can influence team relationships.

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