Greatness brings no profit to people. God indeed, when in anger, brings greater ruin to great men's houses
Greatness brings no profit to people. God indeed, when in anger, brings greater ruin to great men's houses
In the context of Euripides, the quote "Greatness brings no profit to people. God indeed, when in anger, brings greater ruin to great men's houses" holds significant meaning. Euripides, a renowned Greek tragedian, often explored themes of hubris, downfall, and divine retribution in his plays. This quote reflects the recurring motif of the consequences of pride and arrogance in his works.Throughout Euripides' plays, we see how characters who are considered great or powerful often meet tragic ends due to their own hubris. These characters believe themselves to be above the gods and act with arrogance and disregard for moral boundaries. However, their greatness ultimately leads to their downfall, as they are punished by the gods for their pride.
One of the most famous examples of this theme in Euripides' works is the tragedy of Oedipus. Oedipus, a great and powerful king, believes himself to be invincible and above the will of the gods. However, his pride and arrogance lead him to unknowingly fulfill a prophecy that brings about his own downfall. In the end, Oedipus is left blind and broken, a mere shadow of his former greatness.
Similarly, in plays like "Medea" and "The Bacchae," we see how characters who are considered great or powerful are ultimately brought low by their own actions. Medea, a powerful sorceress, is consumed by jealousy and rage, leading her to commit unspeakable acts of violence. In "The Bacchae," King Pentheus's refusal to acknowledge the power of the god Dionysus leads to his brutal death at the hands of his own mother.
Overall, Euripides' works serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and arrogance. The quote "Greatness brings no profit to people. God indeed, when in anger, brings greater ruin to great men's houses" encapsulates the idea that those who are considered great or powerful are not immune to the consequences of their actions. In the end, it is the gods who hold the ultimate power, and those who act with hubris will ultimately face divine retribution.