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I have lost my oil and my labor. (Labored in vain.) [Lat…

“I have lost my oil and my labor. (Labored in vain.) [Lat., Oleum et operam perdidi.]” quote by Plautus
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“I have lost my oil and my labor. (Labored in vain.) [Lat., Oleum et operam perdidi.]”

Plautus

About This Quote

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

A lament that hard work and resources have been wasted, expressing frustration at futile effort.

In simple terms: Hard work wasted.

Key Takeaway

Assess effort before investing.

Themes

frustration work waste

Mood

sorrowful reflective

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • career project
  • financial loss
  • failed venture

Key Concepts

effort resource loss disappointment

Questions to Reflect On

  • What could have been done differently?
  • Is all effort futile?
A Different Perspective

May ignore learning from failure.

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