The fool’s life is empty of gratitude and full of fears; its course lies wholly toward the future.
EpicurusRead
The misfortune of the wise is better than the prosperity of the fool.
Interpretation
What this quote means
It's better to face challenges with wisdom than to live a prosperous but foolish life.
This quote by Epicurus highlights the value of wisdom and intellect over mere material success or prosperity. It suggests that the struggles and hardships faced by a wise person lead to greater understanding and depth of character, whereas a fool may enjoy riches or comfort but lacks true insight and fulfillment in life.
Themes
WisdomFoolProsperityMisfortuneIntellect
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the value of education and experience, this quote can underline the importance of wisdom.
More from Epicurus
All quotes →Accustom yourself to believe that death is nothing to us, for good and evil imply awareness, and death is the privation of all awareness; therefore a right understanding that death is nothing to us makes the mortality of life enjoyable, not by adding to life an unlimited time, but by taking away the yearning after immortality. For life has no terror; for those who thoroughly apprehend that there are no terrors for them in ceasing to live.
EpicurusRead
The wise man who has become accustomed to necessities knows better how to share with others than how to take from them, so great a treasure of self-sufficiency has he found.
EpicurusRead
We should look for someone to eat and drink with before looking for something to eat and drink.
EpicurusRead
I was not, I was, I am not, I care not. (Non fui, fui, non sum, non curo)
EpicurusRead
Of all the means to insure happiness throughout the whole life, by far the most important is the acquisition of friends.
EpicurusRead
Similar quotes
Pride comes from not knowing yourself and the world. The older you grow, and the more you see, the less reason you will find for being proud. Ignorance and inexperience are the pedestal of pride; once the pedestal is removed - pride will soon come down.
J. C. RyleRead
Your breathing should flow gracefully, like a river, like a watersnake crossing the water, and not like a chain of rugged mountains or the gallop of a horse. To master our breath is to be in control of our bodies and minds. Each time we find ourselves dispersed and find it difficult to gain control of ourselves by different means, the method of watching the breath should always be used.
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It changes your life, the pursuit of truth.
Ben BradleeRead
All your strength is in union, all your danger is in discord.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
Plays round the head, but comes not to the heart. One self-approving hour whole years outweighs Of stupid starers and of loud huzzas; And more true joy Marcellus exil'd feels Than Cæsar with a senate at his heels. In parts superior what advantage lies? Tell (for you can) what is it to be wise? 'T is but to know how little can be known; To see all others' faults, and feel our own.
Alexander PopeRead
The most beautiful motion is that which accomplishes the greatest results with the least amount of effort.
PlatoRead