Playing the game I have learned the meaning of humility. It has given me an understanding of futility of the human effort.
Abba EbanRead
Tragedy is not what men suffer but what they miss.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True tragedy lies in the opportunities and experiences that people fail to seize rather than just in the pain they endure.
This quote by Abba Eban suggests that the real sorrow in life comes not from the hardships we face, but from the things we choose to overlook or fail to pursue. It emphasizes that missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential can lead to a deeper sense of loss than the actual suffering we endure during difficult times.
Themes
TragedyOpportunityLifeLossSuffering
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational talk about life choices, this quote could be used to inspire audience members to take chances and embrace their opportunities.
More from Abba Eban
All quotes βNobody does Israel any service by proclaiming its 'right to exist.' Israel's right to exist, like that of the United States, Saudi Arabia and 152 other states, is axiomatic and unreserved. Israel's legitimacy is not suspended in midair awaiting acknowledgement.... There is certainly no other state, big or small, young or old, that would consider mere recognition of its 'right to exist' a favor, or a negotiable concession.
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A nation writes its history in the image of its ideal.
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It is our experience that political leaders do not always mean the opposite of what they say.
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A statesman who keeps his ear permanently glued to the ground will have neither elegance of posture nor flexibility of movement.
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Consensus is what many people say in chorus but do not believe as individuals.
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