When one is already happy it is important not to lose the virtues which have produced happiness. When they are successful, many men and women forget … - André Maurois

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When one is already happy it is important not to lose the virtues which have produced happiness. When they are successful, many men and women forget prudence, moderation, and kindness - qualities which were instrumental in their success. They are arrogant or thoughtless; an excessive self-confidence prevents them from accomplishing difficult tasks, and they soon become unworthy of their good fortune. They are surprised when their luck changes from good to bad. The ancient practice of sacrifice to the gods in return for happiness was a wise one. Polycrates, Tyrant of Samos, threw his precious ring into the sea as a sacrifice, and there are several ways of throwing the ring of Polycrates into the sea. The simplest is to be modest.

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About André Maurois

André Maurois (born Émile Salomon Wilhelm Herzog, 26 July 1885 – 9 October 1967) was a French author and man of letters. André Maurois was a pen name which became his legal name in 1947.

Also Known As

Alternative Names: Andre Maurois Émile Salomon Wilhelm Herzog Émile Herzog
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Additional quotes by André Maurois

One of the most serious obstacles to happiness is the awkwardness of modern man, with his mind full of doctrines and abstract formulas, when he attempts to re-establish contact with real emotions. Animals and unsophisticated people achieve happiness more naturally, because their desires are simpler and truer. Civilized man, a parrot enslaved by his chattering, ceaselessly inoculates himself with loves and hatreds which he does not actually fee.

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