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He is senseless who would match himself against a stronger man; for he is deprived of victory and adds suffering to disgrace.
Hesiod
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Avoid futile battles against those who are stronger; it leads to failure and shame.

This quote by Hesiod speaks to the wisdom of understanding one's limitations and the folly of engaging in conflicts one is unlikely to win. It emphasizes that challenging a stronger opponent not only guarantees defeat but also results in an added layer of humiliation and suffering, urging individuals to choose their battles wisely.

Themes

WisdomStrengthBattlesVictoryHumiliation

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a motivational speech to encourage strategy over brute force.

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Justice prevails over transgression when she comes to the end of the race.
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