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An envious man waxeth lean with the fatness of his…

“An envious man waxeth lean with the fatness of his neighbors. Envy is the daughter of pride, the author of murder and revenge, the beginner of secret sedition and the perpetual tormentor of virtue. Envy is the filthy slime of the soul; a venom, a poison, or quicksilver which consumeth the flesh…” quote by Socrates
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“An envious man waxeth lean with the fatness of his neighbors. Envy is the daughter of pride, the author of murder and revenge, the beginner of secret sedition and the perpetual tormentor of virtue. Envy is the filthy slime of the soul; a venom, a poison, or quicksilver which consumeth the flesh and drieth up the marrow of the bones.”

Socrates

About This Quote

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

Envy stems from pride, leading to destructive outcomes and corrupting virtue.

In simple terms: Envy arises from pride and harms virtue.

Key Takeaway

Guard against envy and pride.

Themes

morality psychology virtue

Mood

cautionary serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • leadership
  • ethical dilemmas

Key Concepts

envy pride corruption

Questions to Reflect On

  • What triggers your envy?
  • How can pride be tempered?
A Different Perspective

Envy can motivate change.

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