Say not always what you know, but always know what you say.
ClaudiusRead
No one is more miserable than the person who wills everything and can do nothing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Desiring everything without the ability to achieve it leads to deep frustration and misery.
This quote reflects on the internal conflict of wishing for great things while lacking the means or ability to attain them. It emphasizes that having grand desires without the capacity to fulfill them creates a profound sense of dissatisfaction and unhappiness, highlighting the importance of aligning aspirations with one's capabilities.
Themes
MiserableDesireCapabilityFrustrationUnhappiness
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used to encourage someone who is feeling overwhelmed by their unachievable goals.
More from Claudius
All quotes βSimilar quotes
If we become increasingly humble about how little we know, we may be more eager to search.
John TempletonRead
Forgive yourself - no one else will.
Maya AngelouRead
Oh, Adamβs sons, how cleverly you defend yourselves against all that might do you good!
C. S. LewisRead
You have grown abominably lazy, and you like gossip, and waste time on frivolous things, you are contented to be petted and admired by silly people, instead of being loved and respected by wise ones.
Louisa May AlcottRead
Of all that is good, sublimity is supreme. Succeeding is the coming together of all that is beautiful. Furtherance is the agreement of all that is just. Perseverance is the foundation of all actions.
LaoziRead
Never lie, never cheat, never steal.
John WoodenRead