The fossil reserves that have already been discovered exceed what can ever be safely used. Yet companies spend half a trillion dollars each year searching for more fuel. They should redirect this money toward developing clean energy solutions
A jealous person is doubly unhappy-over what he has, which is judged inferior, and over which he has not, which is judged superior. Such a person is doubly removed from knowing the true blessing of creation.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Jealousy causes unhappiness by making a person focus on what they lack and their perceived inferiority.
This quote by Desmond Tutu highlights the destructive nature of jealousy. A jealous individual experiences dual suffering: they lament their own possessions, viewing them as inferior to what others have, while simultaneously yearning for what those others possess, seeing it as superior. This mindset prevents them from appreciating and recognizing the true value and blessings present in their own life, leading to a skewed perspective on existence and happiness.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational talk about self-acceptance, this quote can be used to illustrate the dangers of jealousy.
More from Desmond Tutu
All quotes →As much as the world has an instinct for evil and is a breeding ground for genocide, holocaust, slavery, racism, war, oppression, and injustice, the world has an even greateer instinct for goodness, rebirth, mercy, beauty, truth, freedom and love.
When the missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land. They said 'Let us pray.' We closed our eyes. When we opened them we had the Bible and they had the land.
Children are a wonderful gift. They have an extraordinary capacity to see into the heart of things and to expose sham and humbug for what they are.
Religion is like a knife: you can either use it to cut bread, or stick in someone's back.
Gaza is going to test who believes in the worth of human beings.
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People say that the most expensive piece of medical equipment is the doctor's pen. It's not that we make all the money. It's that we order all the money.
Don’t underestimate the value of irony—it is extremely valuable.
There is no fate that cannot be surmounted by scorn.