Ambition, if it feeds at all, does so on the ambition of others.
Susan SontagRead
Fools may our scorn, not envy, raise. For envy is a kind of praise.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Envy is a reaction that highlights the value of what you possess; those who scorn you are misguided.
In this quote by John Gay, the author suggests that envy is not a negative feeling but rather a form of admiration, indicating that the envied person possesses qualities worth desiring. This realization allows individuals to view scorn from others as a sign of their own worth, rather than a source of disappointment or negativity.
Themes
EnvyPraiseScornAdmirationWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech, one might use this quote to emphasize the positive aspect of being envied.
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