I love the old way best, the simple way of poison, where we too are strong as men.
EuripidesRead
There is nothing like the sight of an old enemy down on his luck.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that witnessing an adversary experiencing hardships can bring a sense of satisfaction or justice.
Euripides' quote reflects the human tendency to find enjoyment or a feeling of justice in the misfortunes of those who have wronged us or opposed us in the past. It taps into the emotions of rivalry and retribution, highlighting a darker aspect of human nature where we take pleasure in others' downfalls, particularly those we perceive as enemies. This sentiment can invoke discussions on morality, ethics, and the complexities of human relationships, illustrating how personal grievances often color our perceptions of others' struggles.
Themes
EnemyMisfortuneJusticeRivalrySatisfaction
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about overcoming challenges, one might reference this quote to illustrate the complexity of human emotions regarding opponents.
More from Euripides
All quotes βMankind . . . possesses two supreme blessings. First of these is the goddess Demeter, or Earth whichever name you choose to call her by. It was she who gave to man his nourishment of grain. But after her there came the son of Semele, who matched her present by inventing liquid wine as his gift to man. For filled with that good gift, suffering mankind forgets its grief; from it comes sleep; with it oblivion of the troubles of the day. There is no other medicine for misery.
EuripidesRead
Money is far more persuasive than logical arguments.
EuripidesRead
Those whom God wishes to destroy, he first makes mad.
EuripidesRead
Who then will dare to say I'm weak or timid? No, they'll say I'm loyal as a friend, ruthless as a foe, so much like a hero destined for glory.
EuripidesRead
Waste not fresh tears over old griefs.
EuripidesRead
Similar quotes
...I'll continue to see things as a child. It's not so far to fall.
Norton JusterRead
The past is behind, learn from it. The future is ahead, prepare for it. The present is here, live it.
Thomas S. MonsonRead
It is not necessary that you leave the house. Remain at your table and listen. Do not even listen, only wait. Do not even wait, be wholly still and alone. The world will present itself to you for its unmasking, it can do no other, in ecstasy it will writhe at your feet.
Franz KafkaRead
Legends die hard. They survive as truth rarely does.
Helen HayesRead
One way to look at meditation is as a kind of intrapsychic technology that's been developed over thousands of years by traditions that know a lot about the mind/body connection.
Jon Kabat-ZinnRead
Produce what you consume; draw from the native element the necessaries of life. Permit no vitiated taste to lead you into the indulgence of expensive luxuries, which can only be obtained by involving yourselves in debt.
Brigham YoungRead