Skip to content

Nobody is glad in the gladness of another, and our system…

“Nobody is glad in the gladness of another, and our system is one of war, of an injurious superiority. Every child of the Saxon race is educated to wish to be first. It is our system; and a man comes to measure his greatness by the regrets, envies, and hatreds of his competitors.” quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Download Open image
“Nobody is glad in the gladness of another, and our system is one of war, of an injurious superiority. Every child of the Saxon race is educated to wish to be first. It is our system; and a man comes to measure his greatness by the regrets, envies, and hatreds of his competitors.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

About This Quote

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

Societal competition breeds envy and conflict, measuring worth by others’ failures.

In simple terms: Competition fuels rivalry and resentment.

Key Takeaway

Seek personal fulfillment beyond comparison.

Themes

competition envy war superiority individualism

Mood

critical reflective

Type

philosophical social

When to use this quote

  • workplace
  • education
  • politics
  • family dynamics

Key Concepts

social psychology philosophy of self

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you define success?
  • Can rivalry be constructive?
A Different Perspective

Comparison can motivate growth, not just harm.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Explore all 4,802 Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes

More Children quotes

Browse all 62,396 Children quotes