"Ill fortune never crushed that man whom good fortune deceived not"
About this Quote
Ben Jonson’s words contemplate the resilience of a person whose sense of self is not built upon fleeting or superficial successes. When he writes “Ill fortune never crushed that man whom good fortune deceived not,” he alludes to the idea that people often become vulnerable not as a result of adversity, but due to their attachment to prosperity and luck. Those who are not easily misled by good fortune, who do not buy into the illusions of permanent success, wealth, or happiness, maintain their equanimity when adverse circumstances arise. In other words, if an individual remains grounded, never trusting that their fortune is immutable or guaranteed, then setbacks or failures do not devastate them.
Good fortune frequently entices people into a sense of complacency or even invincibility. They may begin to believe that good times will last indefinitely, convincing themselves that they are immune to misfortune. This reliance on prosperity can form the basis for fragile self-esteem and happiness. When inevitable challenges arrive, such individuals are unprepared, often overwhelmed by disappointment or despair.
Jonson’s observation, perhaps, is also a warning about the seductive danger of good luck. Success can act as a mirage, fostering expectations that are impossible to sustain. In contrast, those who see prosperity as temporary, treat it with humility, and keep their expectations grounded are less likely to be shaken by life's reversals. They recognize that fortune, both good and bad, is beyond personal control. Their self-worth and contentment derive from deeper, internal sources: character, wisdom, or integrity. Thus, misfortune, when it comes, finds them prepared and unshaken.
The quote ultimately extols the virtue of self-awareness and perspective. It encourages a measured response to one’s circumstances and suggests that true strength lies in neither exalting in luck nor despairing in hardship, but in steadfastness of character irrespective of fortune’s whims.
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