Virtue isn't not wronging others but not wishing to wrong others.
DemocritusRead
If thou suffer injustice, console thyself; the true unhappiness is in doing it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Experiencing injustice is painful, but inflicting it on others is worse.
In this quote, Democritus suggests that while suffering from injustice can be deeply troubling, the true moral failing lies in being the source of that injustice. It highlights the importance of ethical conduct and the inner turmoil that can arise from harming others. This reflection prompts individuals to find solace in their own integrity, even when wronged, emphasizing that our actions define our character more than the wrongs we endure.
Themes
InjusticeSufferingMoralityIntegrityCharacter
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about ethical behavior in leadership, one might quote this to highlight the importance of maintaining integrity.
More from Democritus
All quotes βBeautiful objects are wrought by study through effort, but ugly things are reaped automatically without toil.
DemocritusRead
One should practice much sense, not much learning.
DemocritusRead
Nature and education are somewhat similar. The latter transforms man, and in so doing creates a second nature.
DemocritusRead
It is godlike ever to think on something beautiful and on something new.
DemocritusRead
The wrongdoer is more unfortunate than the man wronged.
DemocritusRead
Similar quotes
All men seek happiness. This is without exception. Whatever different means they employ, they all tend to this end. The cause of some going to war, and of others avoiding it, is the same desire in both, attended with different views. The will never takes the least step but to this object. This is the motive of every action of every man, even of those who hang themselves.
Blaise PascalRead
We need a free press. We must have it. It's vital.
John MccainRead
Patriotism is best exemplified through auto-critique.
Henry Louis GatesRead
If one sticks too rigidly to one's principles, one would hardly see anybody.
Agatha ChristieRead
Taking the kids from our districts, forcing them to kill one another while we watch β this is the Capitolβs way of reminding us how totally we are at their mercy.
Suzanne CollinsRead
But as for Aslan himself, the Beavers and the children didn't know what to do or say when they saw him. People who have not been in Narnia sometimes think that a thing cannot be good and terrible at the same time. If the children had ever thought so, they were cured of it now. For when they tried to look at Aslan's face they just caught a glimpse of the golden mane and the great, royal, solemn, overwhelming eyes; and then they found they couldn't look at him and went all trembly.
C. S. LewisRead