Golden Rule”: “That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. That is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation; go and learn.
Hillel The ElderRead
Moreover he saw a skull floating on the surface of the water and he said unto it: Because you drowned others they drowned you; and those that drowned you will eventually be drowned.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the idea of poetic justice, where those who harm others will ultimately face their own consequences.
Hillel The Elder's quote serves as a profound reminder of the cycle of cause and effect in human actions. It suggests that inflicting harm on others will lead to one's own downfall, showcasing the inevitable nature of justice in life. The imagery of the skull floating on water symbolizes mortality and serves as a stark reminder that actions have repercussions that can one day turn against the perpetrator. This quote invites reflection on morality, accountability, and the larger philosophical questions surrounding justice and existence.
Themes
JusticeConsequencesMoralityKarmaAccountability
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about ethics in a philosophy class.
More from Hillel The Elder
All quotes →He who refuses to learn deserves extinction.
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Judge not thy friend until thou standest in his place.
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What you yourself hate, don't do to your neighbor. This is the whole law; the rest is commentary. Go and study.
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Take care of yourself - you never know when the world will need you.
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Be of the disciples of Aaron, loving peace and pursuing peace, loving your fellow creatures and drawing them near to the Law.
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