# CXCIII explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A brief aphorism contrasting the attitudes of a fool and a philosopher toward prosperity and adversity.

## Key lines

> When prosperous the fool trembles for the evil that is to come; in adversity the philosopher smiles for the good that he has had.

In times of success, a foolish person fears future misfortune, while in times of hardship, a wise person finds comfort in past blessings.

_This aphorism reflects on contrasting responses to fortune and misfortune._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/cxciii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters