“Whereas the Romans only persecuted Christians, modern man persecutes himself”

Simplified Meaning:

In the past, the Romans targeted Christians, blaming them for problems and making their lives difficult. Today, people often end up making their own lives hard by setting unrealistic goals, comparing themselves to others, or constantly worrying about things they cannot control. Imagine a student who always compares their grades with classmates and feels miserable if they don’t come out on top. This student creates their own stress and unhappiness, even though no one else is pressuring them. Similarly, adults might chase after perfection at work or in their personal lives, believing they must always achieve more, which leads to self-imposed stress and dissatisfaction. Instead of blaming others for their unhappiness, people today should try to recognize how they might be causing their own problems. Realizing this can help them take steps to be kinder to themselves, set more realistic expectations, and focus on enjoying the present moment. This way, they can reduce self-inflicted stress and lead a happier life.