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To strive with an equal is dangerous; with a superior, mad; with an inferior, degrading.
Seneca The Younger
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Striving against those of equal, inferior, or superior status has its own risks and consequences.

This quote from Seneca the Younger reflects on the dangers and pitfalls of engaging in competition or conflict with others based on their perceived social or intellectual status. Striving against an equal can lead to instability, fighting against a superior can drive one to madness, while attempting to dominate an inferior can be degrading to one's character. Through this perspective, Seneca emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature of our relationships and interactions with others in the pursuit of personal virtue and wisdom.

Themes

StriveEqualSuperiorInferiorDanger

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used during a motivational speech to warn against unnecessary competition.

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Anger, if not restrained, is frequently more hurtful to us than the injury that provokes it.
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