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It is not enough that we should succeed, but our friends…

“It is not enough that we should succeed, but our friends must fail as well.” quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld
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“It is not enough that we should succeed, but our friends must fail as well.”

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

About This Quote

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

Success is insufficient; one’s friends must also fail to maintain status.

In simple terms: Success alone isn’t enough; friends should fail too.

Key Takeaway

Beware of envy in social hierarchies.

Themes

social hierarchy envy success

Mood

cynical philosophical

Type

ethical social

When to use this quote

  • corporate competition
  • social networking
  • political maneuvering

Key Concepts

philosophy politics human nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is it ethical to wish failure on friends?
  • How does competition affect relationships?
A Different Perspective

Friendship should be supportive, not competitive.

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