--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: He concerns himself so much,” replied…" description: "\"“He concerns himself so much,” replied Martin, “in the affairs of this world that it is very probable he may be in me as well as everywhere else; but I..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8f7/voltaire-173_blessings-of-peace_he-concerns-himself-so-much-replied-mart_1994833.png" --- # He concerns himself so much,” replied Martin, “in the… ![“He concerns himself so much,” replied Martin, “in the affairs of this world that it is very probable he may be in me as well as everywhere else; but I must confess, when I cast my eye on this globe, or rather globule, I cannot help thinking that God has abandoned it to some malignant being. I…” quote by Voltaire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8f7/voltaire-173_blessings-of-peace_he-concerns-himself-so-much-replied-mart_1994833.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8f7/voltaire-173_blessings-of-peace_he-concerns-himself-so-much-replied-mart_1994833.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8f7/voltaire-173_blessings-of-peace_he-concerns-himself-so-much-replied-mart_1994833.png) > ““He concerns himself so much,” replied Martin, “in the affairs of this world that it is very probable he may be in me as well as everywhere else; but I must confess, when I cast my eye on this globe, or rather globule, I cannot help thinking that God has abandoned it to some malignant being. I always except El Dorado. I scarce ever knew a city that did not wish the destruction of its neighboring city; nor a family that did not desire to exterminate some other family. The poor in all parts of the world bear an inveterate hatred to the rich, even while they creep and cringe to them; and the rich treat the poor like sheep, whose wool and flesh they barter for money; a million of regimented assassins traverse Europe from one end to the other, to get their bread by regular depredation and murder, because it is the most gentlemanlike profession. Even in those cities which seem to enjoy the blessings of peace, and where the arts flourish, the inhabitants are devoured with envy, care, and inquietudes, which are greater plagues than any experienced in a town besieged. Private chagrins are still more dreadful than public calamities. In a word,” concluded the philosopher, “I have seen and suffered so much that I am a Manichaean.”” [Voltaire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/voltaire/) ## 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 observes pervasive human cruelty, envy, and the suffering caused by both the rich and the poor, concluding that humanity resembles a dualistic battle between good and evil. **In simple terms:** Humanity is marked by widespread cruelty and envy, leading to suffering. Key Takeaway Recognize and challenge systemic injustice. Themes human nature inequality violence philosophy Mood cynical reflective Type philosophical critical When to use this quote - war - economic disparity - urban life - artistic circles - political oppression Key Concepts Manichaeism dualism social critique Questions to Reflect On - How do we balance acknowledging suffering with recognizing kindness? - What actions can reduce systemic envy? 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