It is easy at any moment to surrender a large fortune; to build one up is a difficult and an arduous task.
LivyRead
Men are seldom blessed with good fortune and good sense at the same time.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that people rarely possess both luck and wisdom simultaneously.
Livy's quote reflects the idea that fortune and wisdom are often at odds with each other. It implies that individuals may experience moments of luck but may lack the discernment to make the most of them, or conversely, possess great insight but miss opportunities due to a lack of favorable circumstances. The dual nature of fortune and sense may lead one to conclude that achieving a balance between the two is a rare occurrence in life.
Themes
FortuneWisdomLuckSense
In practice
Example use cases
During a leadership seminar, this quote could be used to highlight the importance of balancing decision-making with the right opportunities.
More from Livy
All quotes βValor is the soldier's adornment.
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The army from Asia introduced a foreign luxury to Rome; it was then the meals began to require more dishes and more expenditure . . . the cook, who had up to that time been employed as a slave of low price, become dear: what had been nothing but a metier was elevated to an art.
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The study of history is the best medicine for a sick mind; for in history you have a record of the infinite variety of human experience plainly set out for all to see; and in that record you can find yourself and your country both examples and warnings; fine things to take as models, base things rotten through and through, to avoid.
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Under the influence of fear, which always leads men to take a pessimistic view of things, they magnified their enemies' resources, and minimized their own.
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The troubles which have come upon us always seem more serious than those which are only threatening.
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