'Everybody pities the weak; jealousy you have to earn' - Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger, a former Governor of California and famous bodybuilder, once said, “Everybody pities the weak; jealousy you have to earn.” This statement is profound, thought-provoking, and challenging. It raises the question of why we tend to pity the weak but envy the successful.

It is natural for human beings to feel empathy towards those who are struggling, suffering or in need. When we see someone who is physically or emotionally weak, we tend to feel sorry for them and offer them assistance. We see them as vulnerable and helpless, and we want to help them to overcome their difficulties. In other words, pity is a form of compassion that we feel towards others who are not as fortunate as we are.

On the other hand, jealousy is an emotion that stems from our desire to have something that someone else has. We feel envious when we see someone who is more successful, attractive or accomplished than we are. We view them as a threat or challenge to our own self-worth, and we strive to achieve the same level of success or recognition. However, envy is not always a negative emotion. It can motivate us to work harder, improve ourselves, and strive for excellence.

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s quote underscores the fact that it is easier to be admired and pitied for our weaknesses than it is to be envied for our accomplishments. Being successful, talented and accomplished takes hard work, dedication, and perseverance. It requires us to overcome challenges, setbacks and obstacles along the way. It requires us to take risks, make sacrifices, and push ourselves beyond our limits. In contrast, weakness is something that we cannot control and often evokes sympathy and support from others.

Therefore, the quote challenges us to shift our mindset from focusing on our weaknesses to work on our strengths. It encourages us to embrace our strengths, develop our talents and pursue our dreams. Rather than seeking pity or sympathy from others, we should strive to earn respect, recognition and admiration from those around us.

In conclusion, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s quote “Everybody pities the weak; jealousy you have to earn” challenges us to rethink our attitudes towards weakness and success. It reminds us that we are in control of our destiny and that success is not something that is handed to us on a platter but something we have to work for. So, let us cultivate a mindset of growth, resilience and perseverance and strive towards excellence.

Who is “Arnold Schwarzenegger”?

Arnold Schwarzenegger is an Austrian-American actor, politician and former professional bodybuilder. He served as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 to 2011. He is also known for his roles in movies such as Terminator, Predator, and Total Recall.

Are there any books about “Arnold Schwarzenegger”?

Yes, there are several books about Arnold Schwarzenegger:

1. “Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story” by Arnold Schwarzenegger
2. “Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder” by Arnold Schwarzenegger
3. “Arnold Schwarzenegger: A Biography” by Louise Krasniewicz
4. “Arnold Schwarzenegger: A Real Life Reader Biography” by Elaine Landau
5. “Arnold Schwarzenegger: The Unauthorized Biography” by Wendy Leigh

You can try an audible free trial and search for audiobook versions of those