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Sadness usually results from one of the following causes either when a man does not succeed, or is ashamed of his success.
Seneca The Younger
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Sadness often stems from failure or a conflicting relationship with one's own achievements.

The quote by Seneca The Younger reflects on the nature of sadness and its connection to success and failure. He suggests that people may feel unhappy either when they do not achieve their goals, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy, or when they feel guilt or shame about their accomplishments, indicating a deeper conflict with their values or the societal perception of success.

Themes

SadnessSuccessFailurePhilosophyEmotions

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about overcoming adversity.

More from Seneca The Younger

Anger, if not restrained, is frequently more hurtful to us than the injury that provokes it.
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Slavery takes hold of few, but many take hold of slavery.
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To be able to endure odium is the first art to be learned by those who aspire to power.
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Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness.
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Loyalty is the holiest good in the human heart.
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