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REJECT TANTALIZING GIFTS

“Atreus: Who would reject the flood of fortune’s gifts?
Thyestes: Anyone who has experienced how easily they flow back.”

- SENECA, THYESTES

Summary:
Seneca warns that fortune’s gifts—wealth, status, or pleasure—are fleeting and unreliable. While they may seem desirable, those who have experienced their unpredictability understand that relying on them can lead to disappointment when they inevitably fade away.

Interpretation:
In daily life, this means not becoming too attached to external success or material wealth, as they can disappear as quickly as they arrive. For example, someone who builds their identity around money or fame may struggle when circumstances change. Instead, we should focus on inner virtues—character, wisdom, and resilience—which remain constant regardless of fortune’s ups and downs.

 

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