Rejoice, and men will seek you; Grieve, and they turn and go. They want full measure of all your pleasure, But they do not need your woe. Be glad, and your friends are many; Be sad, and you lose them all. There are none to decline your nectared wine, But alone you must drink life's gall.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- People seek pleasure but avoid pain so cheerfulness attracts friends while grief drives them away. Social bonds often depend on what you can offer emotionally.
- In plain terms
- Friends come for happiness but leave when you are sad.
- What can you take from it?
- Understand that social support often favors positivity.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Have you experienced friends leaving during hard times?
- How do you find support when grieving?
Another view
This perspective ignores true friends who stay during hard times.
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