Better Quote by Herodotus
“It is better to be envied than pitied.”
About This Quote
Source Historical Text: Histories, 5th century BC
Being envied is preferable to being pitied because envy reflects admiration while pity implies weakness.
In simple terms: Envied is better than pitied.
Key Takeaway
Seek respect, not sympathy.
Themes
pride
social perception
status
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
moral
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political ambition
- personal reputation
- leadership
- public image
Key Concepts
Greek historiography
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you value admiration over compassion?
- How does seeking envy affect relationships?
A Different Perspective
Envy can breed resentment and conflict.
![“If our inward griefs were seen written on our brow, how many would be pitied who are now envied! [It., Se a ciascun l'interno affanno Si leggesse in fronte scritto, Quanti mai, che invidia fanno, Ci farebbero pieta!].” quote by Pietro Metastasio](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/12a/pietro-metastasio-24319_brows_if-our-inward-griefs-were-seen-written-o_2596015.jpg)
![“[T]hey are much to be pitied who have not ... been given a taste for Nature in early life. They lose a great deal.” quote by Jane Austen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d07/jane-austen-39_early-life_t-hey-are-much-to-be-pitied-who-have-not_320677.jpg)
![“They [the Persians] are accustomed to deliberate on matters of the highest moment when warm with wine; but whatever they in this situation may determine is again proposed to them on the morrow, in their cooler moments, by the person in whose house they had before assembled. If at this time also it…” quote by Herodotus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/db3/herodotus-2844_accustomed_they-the-persians-are-accustomed-to-deli_295502.jpg)
