I love the old way best, the simple way of poison, where we too are strong as men.
EuripidesRead
For the good, when praised, feel something of disgust, if to excess commended.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Excessive praise can lead to discomfort, even for those who are good.
Euripides suggests that while it is natural to appreciate and commend good deeds, overwhelming or excessive praise can provoke feelings of discomfort or disgust in the recipients. This highlights the complexity of human emotions and the potential pitfalls of placing someone on a pedestal.
Themes
PraiseDisgustExcessGoodnessHuman Emotions
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about humility, you might reference this quote to illustrate the importance of moderation in praise.
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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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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