The envious die not once, but as oft as the envied win applause.

In the quote "The envious die not once, but as oft as the envied win applause," Baltasar Gracian explores the destructive nature of envy and how it affects those who harbor it. Gracian suggests that envy is a constant, tormenting emotion that causes the envious person to suffer repeatedly. Unlike other negative feelings that might fade over time, envy resurfaces every time the person they envy receives recognition, success, or praise. The "death" referred to in the quote symbolizes the emotional and psychological toll that envy takes on the individual.

Gracian's quote emphasizes the intensity of envy and its ability to undermine a person's peace of mind. Every time the person they envy achieves something significant—whether it's applause, accolades, or attention—the envious person experiences a fresh wave of resentment and frustration. This cycle of suffering means that the envious never truly "live" in a fulfilling, peaceful state but instead endure ongoing emotional pain every time their rival is celebrated.

The phrase "die not once" suggests that envy is a persistent and unrelenting emotion. It doesn’t vanish with time or the passage of an event; instead, it recurs as long as the person being envied continues to achieve success or recognition. The envious individual is trapped in a cycle of bitterness and self-doubt, unable to enjoy their own successes because they are constantly comparing themselves to others.

Ultimately, Gracian's quote serves as a warning about the self-destructive nature of envy. Rather than leading to personal growth or happiness, envy keeps the individual in a state of perpetual suffering and dissatisfaction. It calls attention to the importance of gratitude and self-contentment, suggesting that inner peace can only be found when we stop measuring our worth against the successes of others.