Anger, if not restrained, is frequently more hurtful to us than the injury that provokes it.
Seneca The YoungerRead
We often want one thing and pray for another, not telling the truth even to the gods.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that people often desire contradictory outcomes and may not be honest even in their prayers.
Seneca the Younger's quote reflects the complex nature of human desires and intentions, highlighting that individuals frequently wish for one thing while hoping for something else entirely. This discrepancy can lead to a lack of authenticity, not only in communication with others but also in one's relationship with higher powers, as people may not fully articulate their true desires even in prayer.
Themes
DesireTruthPrayerHonestyContradiction
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the authenticity of personal desires during a philosophical lecture.
More from Seneca The Younger
All quotes βNo tree becomes rooted and sturdy unless many a wind assails it. For by its very tossing it tightens its grip and plants its roots more securely; the fragile trees are those that have grown in a sunny valley.
Seneca The YoungerRead
Slavery takes hold of few, but many take hold of slavery.
Seneca The YoungerRead
To be able to endure odium is the first art to be learned by those who aspire to power.
Seneca The YoungerRead
Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness.
Seneca The YoungerRead
Loyalty is the holiest good in the human heart.
Seneca The YoungerRead
Similar quotes
Zionism demands a publicly recognized and legally secured homeland in Palestine for the Jewish people. This platform is unchangeable.
Theodor HerzlRead
Show us your Christ, Lady, after this our exile, yes: but show Him to us also now, show Him to us here, while we are still wanderers.
Thomas MertonRead
The spiritual journey involves going beyond hope and fear, stepping into unknown territory, continually moving forward. The most important aspect of being on the spiritual path may be just to keep moving.
Pema ChodronRead
Our best built certainties are but sand-houses and subject to damage from any wind of doubt that blows
Mark TwainRead
Regret is a short, evocative and achingly beautiful word: an elegy to lost possibilities even in its brief annunciation.
David WhyteRead
Clay is moulded to make a vessel, but the utility of the vessel lies in the space where there is nothing. . . . Thus, taking advantage of what is, we recognize the utility of what is not.
LaoziRead