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About this quote

What does it mean?
Tragedy is defined by missed opportunities rather than suffering endured.
In plain terms
What we fail to seize hurts more than what we endure.
What can you take from it?
Focus on opportunities seized, not just hardships endured.

Where it applies

  • life decisions
  • political conflicts
  • personal reflection

Putting it to work

  • prioritize action over inaction
  • evaluate missed chances

Questions to consider

  • What have you missed that matters?
  • Is suffering worse than regret?

Another view

This downplays the real pain of suffering itself.

More from Abba Eban

  1. Israel was and is breathing only with a single lung.

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  2. The Jews are the living embodiment of the minority, the constant reminder of what duties societies owe their minorities, whoever they might be.

    Permalink to quote #14
  3. Israel is not an aviary.

    Permalink to quote #11

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