Virtue isn't not wronging others but not wishing to wrong others.
DemocritusRead
Beautiful objects are wrought by study through effort, but ugly things are reaped automatically without toil.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Creating beauty requires conscious effort, while ugliness can occur naturally without any work.
This quote by Democritus underscores the importance of dedication and hard work in the pursuit of beauty and quality. It suggests that while beautiful creations stem from thoughtful study and diligent effort, the opposite—ugliness and disorder—can arise effortlessly, highlighting the value of intentionality in our endeavors.
Themes
BeautyEffortStudyCreationUgliness
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about creativity, one might say, 'As Democritus wisely noted, beautiful objects are wrought by study through effort.'
More from Democritus
All quotes →One should practice much sense, not much learning.
DemocritusRead
Nature and education are somewhat similar. The latter transforms man, and in so doing creates a second nature.
DemocritusRead
It is godlike ever to think on something beautiful and on something new.
DemocritusRead
If thou suffer injustice, console thyself; the true unhappiness is in doing it.
DemocritusRead
The wrongdoer is more unfortunate than the man wronged.
DemocritusRead
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