Tis an old lesson; time approves it true, And those who…
“Tis an old lesson; time approves it true, And those who know it best, deplore it most; When all is won that all desire to woo, The paltry prize is hardly worth the cost.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Success brings a small reward that feels insufficient compared to the effort invested.
In simple terms: Great effort yields modest payoff.
Key Takeaway
Assess true value of goals before pursuit.
Themes
ambition
disillusionment
value
Mood
cynical
reflective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- career advancement
- relationship goals
- financial investments
- artistic endeavors
Key Concepts
Stoicism
Economics
Human Nature
Questions to Reflect On
- Is the prize worth the cost?
- How do you measure success?
A Different Perspective
May cause frustration or cynicism.