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Poetry · Chapter
LXVII explained
A brief philosophical reflection on the rules of discontent, stating that one may not wish to take another's advantages but only to wish to be another person entirely.
What happens
A brief philosophical reflection on the rules of discontent, stating that one may not wish to take another's advantages but only to wish to be another person entirely.
Key passages
“The game of discontent has its rules, and he who disregards them cheats. It is not permitted to you to wish to add another’s advantages or possessions to your own; you are permitted only to wish to be another.”
Discontent follows a strict code: you cannot covet what others have, but you may desire to become someone else entirely.
This aphorism defines the boundaries of permissible envy.