Anger, if not restrained, is frequently more hurtful to us than the injury that provokes it.
Seneca The YoungerRead
Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by rulers as useful.
Interpretation
The quote highlights differing perspectives on religion based on social status and intelligence.
Seneca The Younger's quote illustrates the varying attitudes towards religion among different groups of people. The common populace may accept religious beliefs as truth, the intellectual elite might question their validity, and those in power may utilize religion for political or social control. This reflects the complexity of religion in relation to human society and the different functions it serves across various strata.
In practice
During a debate on the role of religion in government, this quote can be referenced to emphasize the manipulation of beliefs by those in power.
Anger, if not restrained, is frequently more hurtful to us than the injury that provokes it.
No 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.
Slavery takes hold of few, but many take hold of slavery.
To be able to endure odium is the first art to be learned by those who aspire to power.
Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness.
Loyalty is the holiest good in the human heart.
Conflict, of course, comes about because of the misuse of power and the clash of ideals, not to mention the inflammatory activities of unscrupulous and bigoted leaders. But it also arises, tragically, from an inability to understand and from the powerful emotions which, out of misunderstanding, lead to distrust and fear.
I've been homesick for countries I've never been, and longed to be where I couldn't be.
Why is our own participation in scapegoating so difficult to perceive and the participation of others so easy? To us, our fears and prejudices never appear as such because they determine our vision of people we despise, we fear, and against whom we discriminate.
The fourth (of the four cardinal virtues) is supportiveness: this manifests as service to others without expectation of reward. (Paraphrased: Such service is not a mere conforming to some external rule of behavior, but instead a manifestation of your original nature).
Half the people in Hollywood are dying to be discovered and the other half are afraid they will be.
Some reasonable term ought to be allowed to enable aliens to get rid of foreign and acquire American attachments; to learn the principles and imbibe the spirit of our government; and to admit of a probability at least, of their feeling a real interest in our affairs.
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