Virtue isn't not wronging others but not wishing to wrong others.
DemocritusRead
If thou suffer injustice, console thyself; the true unhappiness is in doing it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Experiencing injustice is painful, but inflicting it on others is worse.
In this quote, Democritus suggests that while suffering from injustice can be deeply troubling, the true moral failing lies in being the source of that injustice. It highlights the importance of ethical conduct and the inner turmoil that can arise from harming others. This reflection prompts individuals to find solace in their own integrity, even when wronged, emphasizing that our actions define our character more than the wrongs we endure.
Themes
InjusticeSufferingMoralityIntegrityCharacter
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about ethical behavior in leadership, one might quote this to highlight the importance of maintaining integrity.
More from Democritus
All quotes →Beautiful objects are wrought by study through effort, but ugly things are reaped automatically without toil.
DemocritusRead
One should practice much sense, not much learning.
DemocritusRead
Nature and education are somewhat similar. The latter transforms man, and in so doing creates a second nature.
DemocritusRead
It is godlike ever to think on something beautiful and on something new.
DemocritusRead
The wrongdoer is more unfortunate than the man wronged.
DemocritusRead
Similar quotes
That very church which the world likes best is sure to be that which God abhors.
Charles SpurgeonRead
I'm not sure if I could tell the difference—between just staring into space and thinking. We're usually thinking all the time, aren't we? Not that we live in order to think, but the opposite isn't true either—that we think in order to live. I believe, contrary to Descartes, that we sometimes think in order not to be. Staring into space might unintentionally have the opposite effect.
Haruki MurakamiRead
What seest thou else_x000D_ _x000D_ In the dark backward and abysm of time?
William ShakespeareRead
Is man one of God's blunders? Or is God one of man's blunders?
Friedrich NietzscheRead
There are four things that we ought to do with the Word of God - admit it as the Word of God, commit it to our hearts and minds, submit to it, and transmit it to the world.
William WilberforceRead
There is only one thing I fear in life, my friend: One day, the black will swallow the red.
Mark RothkoRead