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Jealousy is the tribute mediocrity pays to genius.
Fulton J. Sheen
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Jealousy arises from feelings of inadequacy and reflects the recognition of someone's exceptional abilities.

This quote by Fulton J. Sheen suggests that jealousy is often a response of those who do not possess exceptional talents or abilities. It indicates that rather than being a mere negative emotion, jealousy signifies an acknowledgment of someone else's genius, a tribute paid by those who feel inferior, revealing their own mediocrity in comparison.

Themes

JealousyMediocrityGeniusEmotionRecognition

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about how competition can foster creativity, this quote could highlight the feelings of jealousy that arise when comparing oneself to brilliant individuals.

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Show me your hands. Do they have scars from giving? Show me your feet. Are they wounded in service? Show me your heart. Have you left a place for divine love?
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The big print giveth, and the fine print taketh away.
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Hearing nuns' confessions is like being stoned to death with popcorn.
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