I love the old way best, the simple way of poison, where we too are strong as men.
EuripidesRead
Fortune always will confer an aura of worth, unworthily; and in this world The lucky person passes for a genius.
Interpretation
We often mistake luck for talent, and those who are fortunate are perceived as more capable than they may actually be.
Euripides highlights the tendency of society to equate fortune with merit. This observation reflects on how individuals who achieve success through luck are often mistaken for geniuses, indicating a flawed understanding of worth and skill in the context of achievement.
In practice
During a motivational speech about success, one could use this quote to illustrate the importance of recognizing the role of luck.
I love the old way best, the simple way of poison, where we too are strong as men.
Mankind . . . possesses two supreme blessings. First of these is the goddess Demeter, or Earth whichever name you choose to call her by. It was she who gave to man his nourishment of grain. But after her there came the son of Semele, who matched her present by inventing liquid wine as his gift to man. For filled with that good gift, suffering mankind forgets its grief; from it comes sleep; with it oblivion of the troubles of the day. There is no other medicine for misery.
Money is far more persuasive than logical arguments.
Those whom God wishes to destroy, he first makes mad.
Who then will dare to say I'm weak or timid? No, they'll say I'm loyal as a friend, ruthless as a foe, so much like a hero destined for glory.
Waste not fresh tears over old griefs.
Before you give advice, that is to say advice which you have not been asked to give, it is well to put to yourself two questions - namely, what is your motive for giving it, and what is it likely to be worth? If these questions were always asked, and honestly answered, there would be less advice given.
The Holy Spirit knows what a particular age's most pressing need is far better than men with their programs.
No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.
The greatest truth is honesty, and the greatest falsehood is dishonesty.
The most important thing is insight, that is to be - curious - to wonder, to mull, and to muse why it is that man does what he does.
The great enemy of knowledge is not error, but inertness. All that we want is discussion; and then we are sure to do well, no matter what our blunders may be. One error conflicts with another, each destroys its opponent, and truth is evolved.
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