Silence is an ornament for women.
SophoclesRead
For no one loves the bearer of bad tidings.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Bringing bad news often leads to being disliked or shunned.
This quote by Sophocles suggests that people often do not appreciate those who deliver unpleasant news, as it highlights their unfavorable reality. It reflects a human tendency to react negatively to reminders of discomfort, making the bearer of bad tidings an unwelcome figure in many situations.
Themes
Bad NewsTruthPainHuman NatureDiscomfort
In practice
Example use cases
In a meeting where a project didn't meet expectations, someone might say this quote to explain the team's reluctance to accept negative feedback.
More from Sophocles
All quotes →None love the messenger who brings bad news.
SophoclesRead
All men make mistakes, but a good man yields when he knows his course is wrong, and repairs the evil. The only crime is pride.
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Not even Ares battles against necessity.
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You clearly hate to yield, but you will regret it when your anger has passed. Such natures are justly the hardest for themselves to bear.
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There is nothing more hateful than bad advice.
SophoclesRead
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