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Antisthenes used to say that envious people were devoured…

“Antisthenes used to say that envious people were devoured by their own disposition, just as iron is by rust.” quote by Diogenes Laertius
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“Antisthenes used to say that envious people were devoured by their own disposition, just as iron is by rust.”

Diogenes Laertius

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Envy corrodes the envious from within, like rust consumes iron.

In simple terms: Envy destroys the envious.

Key Takeaway

Guard against envy.

Themes

ethics psychology philosophy

Mood

reflective cautionary

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • workplace
  • politics
  • social media

Key Concepts

self‑destruction emotions virtue

Questions to Reflect On

  • What triggers your envy?
  • How can you transform envy into ambition?
A Different Perspective

Envy can sometimes motivate self‑improvement if channeled.

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