A god implants in mortal guilt whenever he wants utterly to confound a house.
AeschylusRead
And though all streams flow from a single course to cleanse the blood from polluted hand, they hasten on their course in vain.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the futility of actions taken to cleanse or purify oneself while remaining fundamentally flawed or corrupted.
Aeschylus suggests that merely flowing towards a goal of purification is meaningless if the source of corruption persists. The imagery of streams portrays life’s struggles and attempts at redemption, but emphasizes that without addressing the root of one's pollution, efforts can be in vain. The quote provokes thought about deeper self-examination and the importance of genuine change rather than superficial actions.
Themes
PurificationFutilitySelf-ExaminationRedemptionChange
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in discussions about personal growth and self-awareness.
More from Aeschylus
All quotes →Neither a life of anarchy nor a life under a despot should you praise. To all that lies in the middle has a god given excellence.
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In every tyrant's heart there springs in the end this poison, that he cannot trust a friend.
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It is not the oath that makes us believe the man, but the man the oath.
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In war, truth is the first casualty.
AeschylusRead
There is no pain so great as the memory of joy in present grief.
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