Silence is an ornament for women.
SophoclesRead
In darkness one may be ashamed of what one does, without the shame of disgrace.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that one's actions in secret may lead to personal shame, even if there is no public disgrace.
Sophocles highlights the internal struggle of morality, emphasizing that one's conscience may evoke shame in the absence of external judgment. It reflects on the human condition where personal integrity and self-awareness play crucial roles in one’s actions, particularly when they are hidden from society's eyes.
Themes
ShameDarknessConscienceMoralityActions
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about personal ethics, to illustrate the impact of secret actions.
More from Sophocles
All quotes →None love the messenger who brings bad news.
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All men make mistakes, but a good man yields when he knows his course is wrong, and repairs the evil. The only crime is pride.
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Not even Ares battles against necessity.
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You clearly hate to yield, but you will regret it when your anger has passed. Such natures are justly the hardest for themselves to bear.
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There is nothing more hateful than bad advice.
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