Compassion and shame come over one who considers how precarious is the origin of the proudest of living beings: often the smell of a lately extinguished lamp is enough to cause a miscarriage. And to think that from such a frail beginning a tyrant or butcher may be born! You who trust in your physical strength, who embrace the gifts of fortune and consider yourself not their ward but their son, you who have a domineering spirit, you who consider yourself a god as soon as success swells your breast, think how little could have destroyed you!

Summary

This quote reflects upon the fragility and precariousness of human existence, provoking feelings of compassion and shame. It highlights the potential for life to be abruptly cut short, represented by the analogy of a recently extinguished lamp causing a miscarriage. Moreover, it emphasizes the notion that even from such a delicate start, formidable individuals may arise, including tyrants and butchers. The quote ultimately urges those who rely on physical strength, fortuitous circumstances, and a sense of superiority to contemplate how easily they could have met a different fate and encourages humility and gratitude.

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