I love the old way best, the simple way of poison, where we too are strong as men.
EuripidesRead
Soon all of you immortals Will be as dead as we are! Come on then, what are you waiting for? Have you run out of thunderbolts?
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the inevitability of death, suggesting that even those who might seem immortal will eventually face mortality.
Euripides challenges the notion of immortality and the arrogance that may come with it. He emphasizes that regardless of one's empowerment or perceived eternal existence, death is the great equalizer that ultimately affects everyone. This provokes thoughts about the value of life and the actions one takes when confronted with the truth of their mortality.
Themes
MortalityLifeDeathImmortalityPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a philosophical discussion about life and death.
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.
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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.
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Waste not fresh tears over old griefs.
EuripidesRead
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