I love the old way best, the simple way of poison, where we too are strong as men.
EuripidesRead
'Twas but my tongue, 'twas not my soul that swore.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that spoken promises may not reflect true intentions or feelings.
Euripides conveys the idea that words can be deceptive; while one may verbally commit to something, it does not necessarily mean they believe in it or have the conviction in their heart. This highlights the distinction between mere language and genuine sentiment, emphasizing that true intentions often lie beyond what is spoken.
Themes
WordsIntentionsDeceptionTruthSoul
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about honesty, one might use this quote to illustrate the difference between spoken promises and true beliefs.
More from Euripides
All quotes βMankind . . . possesses two supreme blessings. First of these is the goddess Demeter, or Earth whichever name you choose to call her by. It was she who gave to man his nourishment of grain. But after her there came the son of Semele, who matched her present by inventing liquid wine as his gift to man. For filled with that good gift, suffering mankind forgets its grief; from it comes sleep; with it oblivion of the troubles of the day. There is no other medicine for misery.
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Money is far more persuasive than logical arguments.
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Those whom God wishes to destroy, he first makes mad.
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Who then will dare to say I'm weak or timid? No, they'll say I'm loyal as a friend, ruthless as a foe, so much like a hero destined for glory.
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Waste not fresh tears over old griefs.
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