Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Fortune, not wisdom, rules lives.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that luck and chance often dictate the outcomes of our lives more than our knowledge or wisdom.
Cicero's quote encapsulates the idea that many aspects of life are governed by fortune rather than the rational decisions informed by wisdom. It implies that despite our best efforts and knowledge, the unpredictable nature of chance plays a significant role in shaping our destinies. This can serve as a reminder of the limits of human control and the importance of humility in the face of life's uncertainties.
Themes
FortuneWisdomLuckLifeDestiny
In practice
Example use cases
This quote would be perfect for a discussion on the role of luck in personal success stories.
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Nothing contributes to the entertainment of the reader more, than the change of times and the vicissitudes of fortune.
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No one has the right to be sorry for himself for a misfortune that strikes everyone.
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Advice in old age is foolish; for what can be more absurd than to increase our provisions for the road the nearer we approach to our journey's end.
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