Brave men rejoice in adversity, just as brave soldiers triumph in war.
Lucius Annaeus SenecaRead
Successful and fortunate crime is called virtue.
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.
More from Lucius Annaeus Seneca
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A kingdom founded on injustice never lasts.
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True happiness is... to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future.
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A well governed appetite is the greater part of liberty.
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