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One who is allowed to sin, sins less
Tacitus
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Permitting someone to make a mistake can lead them to be more cautious in their actions.

The quote by Tacitus suggests that when individuals are given the freedom to make choices, including the choice to err, they often learn from their experiences and, as a result, may engage in less wrongdoing over time. This reflects a deeper philosophical understanding of autonomy, consequences, and the human capacity for growth and learning through mistakes.

Themes

SinFreedomChoiceLearningGrowthAutonomy

In practice

Example use cases

In a philosophy class discussing moral responsibility, this quote could be used to illustrate the concept of personal growth through mistakes.

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The brave and bold persist even against fortune; the timid and cowardly rush to despair though fear alone.
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