This quote, “Never elated when someone’s oppressed, never dejected when another one’s blessed,” is a call to balance and equanimity in one’s emotional responses to the fortunes and misfortunes of others. Essentially, it is about not deriving any joy from the suffering of others, and not feeling any sadness or jealousy when others prosper or are blessed.

The first part, “Never elated when someone’s oppressed,” is a call to empathy and compassion. It discourages taking pleasure in someone else’s misfortune or oppression, a sentiment known as schadenfreude. This can lead to a toxic environment where people are more focused on pulling each other down rather than uplifting each other.

The second part, “Never dejected when another one’s blessed,” speaks against envy, jealousy, and resentment. Instead of being saddened or disheartened by someone else’s success or blessing, we should be happy for them. This promotes a positive mindset and a culture of celebrating each other’s achievements.

In today’s world, this quote is more relevant than ever. In the age of social media, where everyone’s life is on display, it’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling envious of others’ success or feeling joy at their failures. This quote encourages us to resist these impulses and to maintain a balanced emotional state, irrespective of what happens to others.

In terms of personal development, this quote can be a guiding principle for cultivating emotional intelligence and maturity. By not allowing our emotions to be swayed by the fortunes or misfortunes of others, we can maintain a stable emotional state and focus on our own personal growth and self-improvement. It also fosters a sense of contentment and peace within ourselves, as we’re not constantly comparing our lives to others.