I love the old way best, the simple way of poison, where we too are strong as men.
EuripidesRead
Of mortals there is no one who is happy. If wealth flows in upon one, one may be perhaps luckier than one's neighbor, but still not happy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True happiness cannot be measured by wealth or luck compared to others.
Euripides suggests that despite the fleeting nature of fortune and wealth, no mortal can claim true happiness. Happiness is not an external condition derived from material wealth, but rather an internal state that cannot be achieved through comparisons with others' circumstances or fortunes.
Themes
HappinessWealthLuckMortalsContentment
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about finding inner joy rather than chasing wealth.
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.
EuripidesRead
Money is far more persuasive than logical arguments.
EuripidesRead
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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