Justice, even if slow, is sure.
SolonRead
No man is happy; he is at best fortunate.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True happiness is rare, and what many consider happiness is merely good fortune.
This quote by Solon suggests that happiness is not a permanent state achievable by everyone; rather, it is often a fleeting experience linked to good luck or favorable circumstances. The idea implies that while we may feel fortunate moments in life, genuine happiness may be more elusive and difficult to attain consistently.
Themes
HappinessFortuneLifeContentmentWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of gratitude, one might reference this quote.
More from Solon
All quotes βLet no man be called happy before his death. Till then, he is not happy, only lucky.
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Call no man happy until he is dead, but only lucky.
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No one can be said to be happy until he is dead.
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Rich people without wisdom and learning are but sheep with golden fleeces.
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If through your vices you afflicted are, Lay not the blame of your distress on God; You made your rulers mighty, gave them guards, So now you groan 'neath slavery's heavy rod.
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But who can say what's best? That's why you need to grab whatever chance you have of happiness where you find it, and not worry about other people too much. My experience tells me that we get no more than two or three such chances in a life time, and if we let them go, we regret it for the rest of our lives.
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Comparison is the thief of joy.
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I wish I could manage to be glad! Only I never can remember the rule. You must be very happy, living in this wood, and being glad whenever you like!
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