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And would'st thou evil for his good repay?
Homer
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote questions the morality of repaying someone's good deeds with evil actions.

This quote from Homer explores the ethical dilemma of reciprocating someone's kindness with malevolence. It invites reflection on the concept of justice and morality in human relationships, challenging us to consider whether it is ever justifiable to harm those who have helped us.

Themes

MoralityJusticeReciprocityKindnessEvil

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about ethical dilemmas, this quote can highlight the importance of maintaining moral integrity.

More from Homer

There is no greater fame for a man than that which he wins with his footwork or the skill of his hands.
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For Fate has wove the thread of life with pain,_x000D_ _x000D_ And twins ev'n from the birth are Misery and Man!
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Be strong, saith my heart; I am a soldier; I have seen worse sights than this.
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Sing, O muse, of the rage of Achilles, son of Peleus, that brought countless ills upon the Achaeans.
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There is nothing nobler or more admirable than when two people who see eye to eye keep house as man and wife, confounding their enemies and delighting their friends.
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[I]t is the wine that leads me on, the wild wine that sets the wisest man to sing at the top of his lungs, laugh like a fool – it drives the man to dancing... it even tempts him to blurt out stories better never told.
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