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Successful and fortunate crime is called virtue.
Lucius Annaeus Seneca
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote suggests that actions deemed successful or beneficial are often praised, even if they are morally questionable.

Seneca highlights the hypocrisy in society where wrongdoing, if it leads to success or fortune, can be glorified and framed as virtue. This reflects on the moral implications of actions and how societal perceptions can shift based on outcomes rather than intentions, urging a reflection on the ethical dimensions of success.

Themes

SuccessVirtueEthicsMoralitySociety

In practice

Example use cases

During a debate on ethical leadership, one might use this quote to illustrate how society often celebrates corrupt individuals if they achieve great success.

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