Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
The injuries that befall us unexpectedly are less severe than those which are deliberately anticipated.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Unexpected injuries are less damaging than those we anticipate and dread.
Cicero's quote suggests that the things we fear and anticipate often cause us greater emotional distress than the actual unexpected events that happen to us. This highlights the power of our mindset, indicating that our worries can amplify our suffering more than the reality of our experiences.
Themes
InjuriesExpectationSufferingMindsetFear
In practice
Example use cases
This quote is perfect for a discussion on mental health and coping mechanisms.
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All quotes βThose wars are unjust which are undertaken without provocation. For only a war waged for revenge or defence can actually be just.
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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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