I love the old way best, the simple way of poison, where we too are strong as men.
EuripidesRead
We pay a high price for intelligence. Wisdom hurts.
Interpretation
Intelligence carries a burden, as true understanding often involves pain and struggle.
This quote by Euripides suggests that while intelligence is valuable, it comes with emotional and existential challenges. The pursuit of knowledge and the depth of understanding often lead to discomfort, as we become aware of the complexities and harsh realities of life that others may choose to ignore.
In practice
In a graduation speech to emphasize the value of knowledge despite its challenges.
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.
Ideas are like fish. If you want to catch little fish, you can stay in the shallow water. But if you want to catch the big fish, you’ve got to go deeper. Down deep, the fish are more powerful and more pure.They’re huge and abstract. And they’re very beautiful.
Remember, the greatest gift to give people your enlightenment, to share it. It has to be the greatest.
Attitude lies somewhere between emotion and logic. It's that curious mix of optimism and determination that enables you to maintain a positive outlook and to continue plodding in the face of the most adverse circumstances.
Would you rather live your life according to the approval of others or aligned with your truth and your dreams?
I learned that very often the most intolerant and narrow-minded people are the ones who congratulate themselves on their tolerance and open-mindedness.
I waste most of the day, then finally start to write around 3 P.M., totally disgusted with myself for my wasteful nature.
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