Justice prevails over transgression when she comes to the end of the race.
HesiodRead
It is a hard thing for a man to be righteous, if the unrighteous man is to have the greater right.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A righteous person struggles to maintain their morals when faced with a situation where the unjust seem to have more power or advantages.
This quote highlights the moral dilemma faced by individuals who strive to do what is right in a society or situation where those who act unethically appear to thrive or have more influence. It illustrates the challenges of maintaining integrity when surrounded by injustice, encouraging reflection on the nature of righteousness and the societal structures that often favor the unrighteous.
Themes
RighteousnessJusticeMoralityIntegrityUnrighteousness
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about ethics in politics, this quote can illustrate the struggle for integrity.
More from Hesiod
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Work is not a shame. Laziness is a shame.
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It will not always be summer: build barns.
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It is not possible either to trick or escape the mind of Zeus.
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Whoever happens to give birth to mischievous children lives always with unending grief in his spirit and heart.
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