I love the old way best, the simple way of poison, where we too are strong as men.
EuripidesRead
We pay a high price for intelligence. Wisdom hurts.
Interpretation
Intelligence carries a burden, as true understanding often involves pain and struggle.
This quote by Euripides suggests that while intelligence is valuable, it comes with emotional and existential challenges. The pursuit of knowledge and the depth of understanding often lead to discomfort, as we become aware of the complexities and harsh realities of life that others may choose to ignore.
In practice
In a graduation speech to emphasize the value of knowledge despite its challenges.
I love the old way best, the simple way of poison, where we too are strong as men.
Mankind . . . 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.
Money is far more persuasive than logical arguments.
Those whom God wishes to destroy, he first makes mad.
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.
Waste not fresh tears over old griefs.
If tomorrow, women woke up and decided they really liked their bodies, just think how many industries would go out of business.
I see the cure is not worth the pain.
I donβt think I will get married,β Polly said as she stood up. βIβm going to train to be a hero instead.
You grow most in your areas of greatest strength. You will improve the most, be the_x000D_ _x000D_ most creative, be the most inquisitive, and bounce back the fastest in those areas_x000D_ _x000D_ where you have already shown some natural advantage over everyone else your strengths. This doesn't mean you should ignore your weaknesses. It just means_x000D_ _x000D_ you'll grow most where you're already strong.
Patience and tenacity are worth more than twice their weight of cleverness.
I was faced with a choice: to deny my addiction and embrace that 'comfortably numb' but 'magicless' existence, or accept the burden of insight, take the road less travelled, and embark on the often painful journey to discover who I was and where I fit.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.