A god implants in mortal guilt whenever he wants utterly to confound a house.
AeschylusRead
So in the Libyan fable it is told That once an eagle, stricken with a dart, Said, when he saw the fashion of the shaft: With our own feathers, not by others' hands, Are we now smitten.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Our own actions and choices can lead to our downfall.
This quote from Aeschylus reflects on the idea that the struggles and hardships we face are often a result of our own decisions and actions rather than external forces. The eagle, wounded by a dart made from its own feathers, symbolizes how we can be harmed by our creations or choices, reminding us to take responsibility for our circumstances and be mindful of the consequences of our actions.
Themes
ResponsibilityChoicesConsequencesSelf-ReflectionWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
This quote is perfect for a discussion on personal accountability in a self-improvement seminar.
More from Aeschylus
All quotes →Neither a life of anarchy nor a life under a despot should you praise. To all that lies in the middle has a god given excellence.
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In every tyrant's heart there springs in the end this poison, that he cannot trust a friend.
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It is not the oath that makes us believe the man, but the man the oath.
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In war, truth is the first casualty.
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There is no pain so great as the memory of joy in present grief.
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