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The envious are not satisfied with equality; they secretly…

“The envious are not satisfied with equality; they secretly yearn for superiority and revenge. In the French Revolution of 1848, a woman coal-heaver is said to have remarked to a richly dressed lady: 'Yes, madam, everything's going to be equal now; I shall go in silks and you'll carry coal.'” quote by Henry Hazlitt
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“The envious are not satisfied with equality; they secretly yearn for superiority and revenge. In the French Revolution of 1848, a woman coal-heaver is said to have remarked to a richly dressed lady: 'Yes, madam, everything's going to be equal now; I shall go in silks and you'll carry coal.'”

Henry Hazlitt

About This Quote

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

Envy drives people to seek dominance rather than mere equality, leading to vindictive desires.

In simple terms: Envy seeks superiority, not equality.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and curb envy.

Themes

envy equality power revenge

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • political movements
  • personal relationships
  • historical revolutions

Key Concepts

psychology social dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does envy affect your goals?
  • What can you do to promote genuine equality?
A Different Perspective

Envy can be mitigated by fostering empathy and shared purpose.

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