There is no greater fame for a man than that which he wins with his footwork or the skill of his hands.
HomerRead
Men grow tired of sleep, love, singing and dancing sooner than of war.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that people often become weary of peaceful activities and relationships more quickly than they tire of conflict and strife.
Homer's quote reflects on human nature, asserting that people quickly grow tired of the joy and tranquility found in sleep, love, singing, and dancing, while the intensity and turmoil of war maintain a compelling grip on their attention. It highlights a paradox in human behavior: while we seek peace and happiness, we also seem to be drawn to the adrenaline and drama of conflict, suggesting a deeper psychological engagement with struggle than with harmony.
Themes
WarConflictPeaceHuman NatureStruggleLoveFatigue
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate about human behavior in a psychology class.
More from Homer
All quotes →For Fate has wove the thread of life with pain,_x000D_ _x000D_ And twins ev'n from the birth are Misery and Man!
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Be strong, saith my heart; I am a soldier; I have seen worse sights than this.
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Sing, O muse, of the rage of Achilles, son of Peleus, that brought countless ills upon the Achaeans.
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There is nothing nobler or more admirable than when two people who see eye to eye keep house as man and wife, confounding their enemies and delighting their friends.
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[I]t is the wine that leads me on, the wild wine that sets the wisest man to sing at the top of his lungs, laugh like a fool – it drives the man to dancing... it even tempts him to blurt out stories better never told.
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