Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow... even if that someone is yourself!
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Mankind censure injustice fearing that they may be the victims of it, and not because they shrink from committing it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People criticize injustice mostly out of self-interest rather than a true moral objection to it.
In this quote, Plato highlights a paradox in human nature regarding morality and justice. He suggests that individuals often denounce injustice not out of a sense of duty or morality, but rather out of a fear that they could become victims of that same injustice. This reflects a self-serving attitude towards ethics, where the fear of personal harm drives the condemnation of wrongdoings, rather than a genuine commitment to justice itself.
Themes
InjusticeMoralityFearSelf-InterestEthics
In practice
Example use cases
During a panel discussion on social justice issues.
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