Skip to content

Rose the joint evil that is now o’erflowing. And the old…

“Rose the joint evil that is now o’erflowing. And the old happiness in that past day Was truly happy, but the present hour Hath pain, crime, ruin:—whatsoe’er of ill Mankind have named, not one is absent here.” quote by Sophocles
Download Open image
““Rose the joint evil that is now o’erflowing. And the old happiness in that past day Was truly happy, but the present hour Hath pain, crime, ruin:—whatsoe’er of ill Mankind have named, not one is absent here.””

Sophocles

About This Quote

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

The speaker laments that current times are filled with suffering, while past happiness seems genuine and untouched by present evils.

In simple terms: Present is painful, past was truly happy.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and cherish genuine happiness.

Themes

suffering nostalgia human condition

Mood

melancholic reflective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • historical analysis
  • philosophical discourse

Key Concepts

Greek tragedy temporal contrast

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we preserve past joy in present turmoil?
  • Can we learn from past happiness to improve now?
A Different Perspective

Human nature often repeats suffering despite past joys.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Sophocles

Explore all 621 Sophocles quotes

More Happiness quotes

Browse all 40,288 Happiness quotes