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The greatest penalty of evil-doing is to grow into the likeness of a bad man.
Plato
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The worst consequence of doing evil is becoming similar to those who do evil.

Plato's quote emphasizes that engaging in immoral actions can fundamentally alter a person's character, leading them to resemble the very individuals they may initially despise. It serves as a cautionary reminder that the choices we make can shape our identity and moral standing over time, suggesting that one should be mindful of their actions and their potential to corrupt one's character.

Themes

EvilCharacterMoralityActionsConsequences

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about ethics, one might reference this quote to illustrate the transformative power of our choices.

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Quote by Plato | QuoteProject