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The half is greater than the whole.
Hesiod
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote suggests that partial experiences or components can hold greater significance than the entirety.

Hesiod's quote, 'The half is greater than the whole', invites us to reflect on the idea that individual parts of something can be more meaningful or impactful than the complete entity itself. This perspective can apply to various aspects of life, such as relationships, knowledge, or experiences, where it is often the moments and connections that shape us more than the sum total of everything we encounter.

Themes

MeaningValuePhilosophyExperienceParts

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about the importance of moments in life.

More from Hesiod

Justice prevails over transgression when she comes to the end of the race.
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He is senseless who would match himself against a stronger man; for he is deprived of victory and adds suffering to disgrace.
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It is a hard thing for a man to be righteous, if the unrighteous man is to have the greater right.
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Work is not a shame. Laziness is a shame.
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It will not always be summer: build barns.
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It is not possible either to trick or escape the mind of Zeus.
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