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The tyranny imposed on the soul by anger, or fear, or lust, or pain, or envy, or desire, I generally call 'injustice.'
Plato
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Plato defines injustice as the oppression of the soul by negative emotions and desires.

In this quote, Plato reflects on the nature of injustice, suggesting that it arises not only from external actions but also from internal states such as anger, fear, and desire. He posits that these emotions can dominate the soul and lead to a form of tyranny, thereby distorting our moral judgment and personal freedom.

Themes

AngerFearDesireInjusticeEmotions

In practice

Example use cases

In a philosophical discourse on ethics, this quote can be used to illustrate the internal struggles that lead to moral failings.

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