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Equal Quote by Jean de la Bruyere

“If our life is unhappy it is painful to bear; if it is happy it is horrible to lose, So the one is pretty equal to the other.” quote by Jean de la Bruyere
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“If our life is unhappy it is painful to bear; if it is happy it is horrible to lose, So the one is pretty equal to the other.”

Jean de la Bruyere

About This Quote

Source Essay: Les Caractères, 1688

Happiness and unhappiness are equally burdensome, suggesting life’s emotional extremes balance each other.

In simple terms: Both joy and sorrow are heavy.

Key Takeaway

Accept emotional fluctuations.

Themes

philosophy balance human condition

Mood

thoughtful melancholic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • grief
  • celebration
  • daily stress

Key Concepts

existentialism emotional equilibrium

Questions to Reflect On

  • What makes happiness worthwhile?
  • Can suffering be a teacher?
A Different Perspective

Equality of extremes may downplay the value of joy.

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