Shrines! Shrines! Surely you don't believe in the gods. What's your argument? Where's your proof?
AristophanesRead
This is what extremely grieves us, that a man who never fought Should contrive our fees to pilfer, on who for his native land Never to this day had oar, or lance, or blister in his hand.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the injustice of those who exploit others without having contributed or sacrificed for the common good.
In this quote, Aristophanes critiques individuals who benefit at the expense of others without having faced any hardships or challenges themselves. He emphasizes the moral outrage felt when someone who has never fought or labored for their country seeks to profit from those who have made sacrifices, underscoring themes of fairness and the values of dedication and effort in society.
Themes
InjusticeSacrificeExploitationFairnessDedication
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a speech about social justice and the responsibility of citizenship.
More from Aristophanes
All quotes →[Y]ou [man] are fool enough, it seems, to dare to war with [woman=] me, when for your faithful ally you might win me easily.
AristophanesRead
Quickly, bring me a beaker of wine, so that I may wet my mind and say something clever.
AristophanesRead
Open your mouth and shut your eyes and see what Zeus will send you.
AristophanesRead
When men drink, then they are rich and successful and win lawsuits and are happy and help their friends. Quickly, bring me a beaker of wine, so that I may wet my mind and say something clever.
AristophanesRead
These impossible women! How they do get around us! The poet was right: Can't live with them, or without them.
AristophanesRead
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