I love the old way best, the simple way of poison, where we too are strong as men.
EuripidesRead
Those whom God wishes to destroy, he first makes mad.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that madness or irrationality is a precursor to one's downfall.
Euripides' quote reflects on the idea that those destined for ruin often exhibit irrational behavior before their ultimate destruction. It implies that loss of reason or clarity can lead individuals down a path of self-destruction, indicating a deeper commentary on the psychological state associated with impending doom.
Themes
MadnessDestructionDownfallIrrationalityPsychology
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about historical leaders who fell from power due to their irrational decisions.
More from Euripides
All quotes βMankind . . . 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.
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Money is far more persuasive than logical arguments.
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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.
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Waste not fresh tears over old griefs.
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There is just one life for each of us: our own.
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