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It is a light thing for whoever keeps his foot outside trouble to advise and counsel him that suffers.
Aeschylus
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote suggests that it's easy to give advice when one is not experiencing the same troubles.

Aeschylus highlights the ease with which those who are unaffected by difficulties can offer guidance to those who are suffering. This reflects on human nature, emphasizing that it is often those who are distant from trouble who freely provide counsel, possibly lacking the understanding of the true challenges faced by others. It criticizes the simplicity of advice given without the experience of real hardship.

Themes

AdviceTroubleSufferingExperienceEmpathy

In practice

Example use cases

During a discussion on mental health, one can reference this quote to highlight the importance of understanding the struggles that others face.

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A god implants in mortal guilt whenever he wants utterly to confound a house.
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In every tyrant's heart there springs in the end this poison, that he cannot trust a friend.
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It is not the oath that makes us believe the man, but the man the oath.
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In war, truth is the first casualty.
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There is no pain so great as the memory of joy in present grief.
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