Justice prevails over transgression when she comes to the end of the race.
HesiodRead
He is senseless who would match himself against a stronger man; for he is deprived of victory and adds suffering to disgrace.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Avoid futile battles against those who are stronger; it leads to failure and shame.
This quote by Hesiod speaks to the wisdom of understanding one's limitations and the folly of engaging in conflicts one is unlikely to win. It emphasizes that challenging a stronger opponent not only guarantees defeat but also results in an added layer of humiliation and suffering, urging individuals to choose their battles wisely.
Themes
WisdomStrengthBattlesVictoryHumiliation
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a motivational speech to encourage strategy over brute force.
More from Hesiod
All quotes βIt is a hard thing for a man to be righteous, if the unrighteous man is to have the greater right.
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Work is not a shame. Laziness is a shame.
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It will not always be summer: build barns.
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It is not possible either to trick or escape the mind of Zeus.
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Whoever happens to give birth to mischievous children lives always with unending grief in his spirit and heart.
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