QuoteProject
People often grudge others what they cannot enjoy themselves.
Aesop
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

People tend to resent others for having what they themselves cannot have or enjoy.

This quote by Aesop illustrates a common human tendency where individuals experience jealousy or resentment toward others who possess something they themselves desire but cannot attain. It reflects the idea that instead of being happy for others' successes or joys, some people may harbor ill feelings because they feel deprived of similar pleasures.

Themes

JealousyResentmentHappinessEnjoymentHuman Nature

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech about overcoming jealousy in personal relationships.

More from Aesop

Slow but steady wins the race.
AesopRead
We often despise what is most useful to us.
AesopRead
The haft of the arrow had been feathered with one of the eagle's own Lures. We often give our enemies the means of our own destruction.
AesopRead
We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.
AesopRead
If you are a friend, why do you bite me so hard? If an enemy, why do you fawn on me?
AesopRead
The unhappy derive comfort from the misfortunes of others.
AesopRead

Similar quotes

Age was respected among his people, but achievement was revered. As the elders said, if a child washed his hands he could eat with kings.
Chinua AchebeRead
I think that to have known one good, old man-one man, who, through the chances and mischances of a long life, has carried his heart in his hand, like a palm-branch, waving all discords into peace-helps our faith in God, in ourselves, and in each other more than many sermons
George William CurtisRead
Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once eccentric.
Bertrand RussellRead
People praise you for what they suppose is in you; but you must blame your soul for what you know is in it.
Ibn Ata AllahRead
Strength instead of being the lusty child of passion, grows by grappling with and subduing them.
James M. BarrieRead
Is the distinction between living for Christ and dying for Him so great? Is not the second the logical conclusion of the first?
Elisabeth ElliotRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.

Quote by Aesop | QuoteProject