-’Tell me’, he said, ‘who gives better offerings, a…
““-’Tell me’, he said, ‘who gives better offerings, a miserable man or a happy one’? -’A happy one, of course.’ -’Wrong. A happy man is too occupied with his life. He thinks he is beholden to no one. But make him shiver, kill his wife, cripple his child, then you will hear from him. He will starve his family for a month to buy yo a pure-white yearling calf. If he can afford it, he will buy you a hundred’. -’But surely, I said, you have to reward him eventually. Otherwise he will stop offering’. -’Oh, you would be surprised how long he will go on. But yes, in the end, it’s best to give him something. Then he will be happy again. And you can start over.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Happiness can blind people to moral duties, leading them to commit atrocities for personal gain.
In simple terms: Joy may cause moral blindness and selfish acts.
Key Takeaway
Beware complacency that masks ethical lapses.
Themes
mythology
human nature
morality
greed
consequence
Mood
cautionary
somber
Type
mythic
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- leadership decisions
- resource allocation
- family dynamics
- crisis management
Key Concepts
Greek myth
ethical paradox
human psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- When does personal happiness become harmful?
- How can societies protect vulnerable when leaders act selfishly?
A Different Perspective
Even the content can become corrupt when comfort overrides conscience.