We should every night call ourselves to an account: What infirmity have I mastered today? What passions opposed! What temptation resisted? What virtue acquired?
Seneca The ElderRead
A quarrel is quickly settled when deserted by one party; there is no battle unless there be two.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Conflicts end when one person chooses to walk away, as arguments require participation from both sides.
This quote by Seneca the Elder emphasizes the idea that many disputes can be resolved simply by one party deciding not to engage further. It suggests that conflicts are often perpetuated by the involvement of both individuals, and highlights the power of choosing not to participate in an argument, thereby diffusing the situation.
Themes
QuarrelConflictPeaceResolutionArgumentDispute
In practice
Example use cases
During a heated debate, I recalled a quote by Seneca that reminded me to stay calm and not engage further.
More from Seneca The Elder
All quotes βWe can be thankful to a friend for a few acres or a little money; and yet for the freedom and command of the whole earth, and for the great benefits of our being, our life, health, and reason, we look upon ourselves as under no obligation.
Seneca The ElderRead
True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future, not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears but to rest satisfied with what we have, which is sufficient, for he that is so wants nothing.
Seneca The ElderRead
The sun also shines on the wicked.
Seneca The ElderRead
Let us be brave in the face of adversity.
Seneca The ElderRead
The courts of kings are full of people, but empty of friends.
Seneca The ElderRead
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