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Our sins are more easily remembered than our good deeds.
Democritus
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Interpretation

What this quote means

People tend to recall their mistakes and wrongdoings more easily than their positive actions.

This quote by Democritus highlights a common human tendency to focus on negative experiences and memories, often giving more weight to our faults rather than our virtues. It suggests that while we may strive to do good, it is our wrongdoings that linger in our minds, shaping our self-perception and influencing how we view ourselves and others.

Themes

SinsGood DeedsMemoryHuman NatureWisdom

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about personal growth, one might say, 'Remember, as Democritus said, our sins are more easily remembered than our good deeds, so let's focus on learning from our mistakes.'

More from Democritus

Virtue isn't not wronging others but not wishing to wrong others.
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Beautiful objects are wrought by study through effort, but ugly things are reaped automatically without toil.
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One should practice much sense, not much learning.
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Nature and education are somewhat similar. The latter transforms man, and in so doing creates a second nature.
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It is godlike ever to think on something beautiful and on something new.
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If thou suffer injustice, console thyself; the true unhappiness is in doing it.
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