As for him who envies or even fears us (and envied and…
““As for him who envies or even fears us (and envied and feared great powers must always be), and who on this account wishes Syracuse to be humbled to teach us a lesson, but would still have her survive in the interest of his own security, the wish that he indulges is not humanly possible. A man can control his own desires but he cannot likewise control circumstances; and in the event of his calculations proving mistaken, he may live to bewail his own misfortune, and wish to be again envying my prosperity. An idle wish, if he now sacrifice us and refuse to take his share of perils which are the same in reality, though not in name, for him as for us; what is nominally the preservation of our power being really his own salvation.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Power dynamics force individuals to wish for others' downfall while fearing similar threats; personal desire cannot control external events, leading to frustration when calculations fail.
In simple terms: People envy and fear power, yet cannot control circumstances.
Key Takeaway
Recognize limits of control and avoid destructive envy.
Themes
power
envy
control
politics
human nature
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- military strategy
- personal ambition
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
realpolitik
self‑interest
fortune
calculations
Questions to Reflect On
- How can leaders balance self‑interest with collective stability?
- What safeguards reduce envy in power structures?
A Different Perspective
Human desire for security can blind rational judgment and fuel harmful envy.