Something gained without effort is lost just as easily; expressing a casual attitude toward loss.
This phrase appeared in English by the mid-17th century, reflecting a philosophical attitude toward fortune and material possessions. It embodies the idea that things acquired without struggle or investment are not deeply valued and can be lost without great distress, often used to express resignation or acceptance.
This phrase captures a profound psychological truth about human nature - we tend to value things proportionally to the effort we invested in getting them. It's both a comfort for loss and a warning about unearned gains, suggesting that the manner of acquisition affects our emotional attachment to what we possess.
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