I love the old way best, the simple way of poison, where we too are strong as men.
EuripidesRead
Human misery must somewhere have a stop; there is no wind that always blows a storm; great good fortune comes to failure in the end. All is change; all yields its place and goes; to persevere, trusting in what hopes he has, is courage in a man. The coward despairs.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes that human suffering is temporary and that persistence in hope is a sign of bravery.
Euripides highlights the inevitability of change in life and the cyclical nature of fortune. He suggests that while challenges and miseries may seem overwhelming, they will not last forever. True courage lies in persevering through difficult times with hope. In contrast, those who give in to despair are labeled as cowards, illustrating the strength found in resilience and faith in brighter days ahead.
Themes
CouragePerseveranceHopeChangeFortune
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about resilience, this quote might be used to inspire the audience to keep going despite challenges.
More from Euripides
All quotes →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.
EuripidesRead
Money is far more persuasive than logical arguments.
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Those whom God wishes to destroy, he first makes mad.
EuripidesRead
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.
EuripidesRead
Waste not fresh tears over old griefs.
EuripidesRead
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