"Men's fortunes are on a wheel, which in its turning suffers not the same man to prosper for ever"
- Herodotus
About this Quote
This quote by Herodotus speaks with the concept of impermanence and the cyclical nature of life. It recommends that no one individual can remain in a state of prosperity permanently, and that life is continuously in flux. It is a suggestion that no matter how effective one may be, their fortunes can change at any moment. This quote likewise speaks to the concept of humbleness, as it encourages us to acknowledge that our successes are not long-term and that we should not end up being too attached to them. It is a suggestion that life is unpredictable and that we must not take our successes for given. Eventually, this quote serves as a tip that life is a journey and that we must enjoy the moments of success while they last, but likewise be gotten ready for the inevitable modifications that will come.
"There is a tide in the affairs of men, Which taken at the flood, leads on to fortune. Omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and in miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat. And we must take the current when it serves, or lose our ventures"