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The mere act of believing that some wrongful course of action constitutes an advantage is pernicious.
Marcus Tullius Cicero
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Believing that wrongdoing can benefit you is harmful and misguided.

Cicero's quote warns against the dangerous mindset that perceives unethical actions as advantageous. It highlights the moral blindness that can arise when individuals prioritize their self-interest over ethical considerations, ultimately leading to detrimental consequences for themselves and society.

Themes

BeliefWrongdoingAdvantagePerniciousEthics

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a discussion about corporate ethics and the consequences of unethical business practices.

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