I love the old way best, the simple way of poison, where we too are strong as men.
EuripidesRead
Often a noble face hides filthy ways.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Appearances can be deceptive, as outward nobility may conceal immoral behavior.
This quote by Euripides highlights the idea that superficial assessments of character based on appearances can be misleading. A person who seems honorable or virtuous may, in reality, engage in unethical or corrupt practices, reminding us to look beyond the surface to understand true intentions and values.
Themes
AppearanceDeceptionVirtueCharacterNobility
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about morality, one might use this quote to illustrate how people can misrepresent themselves.
More from Euripides
All quotes βMankind . . . possesses two supreme blessings. First of these is the goddess Demeter, or Earth whichever name you choose to call her by. It was she who gave to man his nourishment of grain. But after her there came the son of Semele, who matched her present by inventing liquid wine as his gift to man. For filled with that good gift, suffering mankind forgets its grief; from it comes sleep; with it oblivion of the troubles of the day. There is no other medicine for misery.
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Money is far more persuasive than logical arguments.
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Those whom God wishes to destroy, he first makes mad.
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Who then will dare to say I'm weak or timid? No, they'll say I'm loyal as a friend, ruthless as a foe, so much like a hero destined for glory.
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Waste not fresh tears over old griefs.
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