All the greatest blessings are a source of anxiety, and at…
““All the greatest blessings are a source of anxiety, and at no time should fortune be less trusted than when it is best; to maintain prosperity there is need of other prosperity, and in behalf of the prayers that have turned out well we must make still other prayers. For everything that comes to us from chance is unstable, and the higher it rises, the more liable it is to fall. Moreover, what is doomed to perish brings pleasure to no one; very wretched, therefore, and not merely short, must the life of those be who work hard to gain what they must work harder to keep. By great toil they attain what they wish, and with anxiety hold what they have attained; meanwhile they take no account of time that will never more return.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage warns that wealth and success bring anxiety, and that reliance on fortune is unstable; hard work brings temporary gain but also fear of loss.
In simple terms: Prosperity brings anxiety and uncertainty.
Key Takeaway
Seek inner stability beyond external success.
Themes
philosophy
anxiety
wealth
impermanence
hard work
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal finance
- career planning
- mental health
- risk management
Key Concepts
Stoicism
fate
contentment
Questions to Reflect On
- What internal values can offset fear of loss?
- How can one balance ambition with tranquility?
A Different Perspective
Focusing solely on external gains can lead to chronic stress.