Envy consists in seeing things never in themselves, but only in their relations. If you desire glory, you may envy Napoleon, but Napoleon envied Caesar, Caesar envied Alexander, and Alexander, I daresay, envied Hercules, who never existed.

Summary

This quote highlights the nature of envy, suggesting that it stems from a distorted perception of things. It argues that envy arises from comparing oneself to others, focusing on their accomplishments or possessions rather than appreciating things independently. The example illustrates a never-ending cycle of envy, where each person desires the qualities or achievements of someone else. Ultimately, the quote suggests that envy can be irrational and futile, as one might envy qualities that do not even exist.

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