The peoples of the Mediterranean began to emerge from barbarism when they learned to cultivate the olive and the vine.
ThucydidesRead
If it had not been for the pernicious power of envy, men would not so have exalted vengeance above innocence and profit above justice... in these acts of revenge on others, men take it upon themselves to begin the process of repealing those general laws of humanity which are there to give a hope of salvation to all who are in distress.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Envy leads to a prioritization of revenge over moral values like innocence and justice.
In this quote, Thucydides explores the destructive nature of envy and how it distorts human values. He suggests that when people allow their envy to dictate their actions, they engage in vengeance rather than uphold principles such as justice and innocence, ultimately undermining the well-being of society as a whole. The desire for revenge can disrupt the fundamental laws of humanity that are meant to bring hope and salvation to those in need.
Themes
EnvyVengeanceJusticeInnocenceHumanity
In practice
Example use cases
Use this quote in a discussion about moral philosophy in a classroom.
More from Thucydides
All quotes →We Greeks are lovers of the beautiful, yet simple in our tastes, and we cultivate the mind without loss of manliness.
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Thucydides, an Athenian, wrote the history of the war between the Peloponnesians and the Athenians, he began at the moment that it broke out, believing that it would be a great war, and more memorable than any that had preceded it.
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Some legislators only wish to vengeance against a particular enemy. Others only look out for themselves. They devote very little time on the consideration of any public issue. They think that no harm will come from their neglect. They act as if it is always the business of somebody else to look after this or that. When this selfish notion is entertained by all, the commonwealth slowly begins to decay.
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Remember that this greatness was won by men with courage, with knowledge of their duty, and with a sense of honor in action.
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It is a common mistake in going to war to begin at the wrong end, to act first, and wait for disasters to discuss the matter.
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