Anger, if not restrained, is frequently more hurtful to us than the injury that provokes it.
Seneca The YoungerRead
It’s in the very trickery that it pleases me. But show me how the trick is done, and I have lost my interest therein.
Interpretation
The allure of something often lies in its mystery, and understanding it can diminish its appeal.
This quote by Seneca highlights the idea that the enjoyment of a phenomenon often stems from its complexity and mystery. When the inner workings or secrets behind something are revealed, the intrigue may fade, rendering it less enjoyable or engaging. It speaks to the human tendency to be fascinated by the unknown and the artistry involved in trickery or illusion.
In practice
During a lecture on the importance of mystery in art, one might invoke this quote to emphasize the value of not fully revealing artistic techniques.
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.
If you have rooms that are very homogeneous, that have all had the same life experiences and educational backgrounds, and they're all relatively wealthy, their perspective on the world is going to mirror what they already know. That can be dangerous when we're making systems that will affect so many diverse populations.
The things that have acquired unity are these: Heaven by unity has become clear; Earth by unity has become steady; The Spirit by unity has become spiritual; The Valley by unity has become full; All things by unity have come into existence.
A small revenge is more human than no revenge at all.
Before I die many will die with me and they'll deserve it. See you in Hell.
You should stop searching for phrases and chasing after words. Take the backward step and turn the light inward. Your body-mind of itself will drop off and your original face will appear. If you want to attain just this, immediately practice just this.
Contemporary society has become dry, not for lack of wonders but for lack of wonder.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.