In battling evil, excess is good; for he who is moderate…
“In battling evil, excess is good; for he who is moderate in announcing the truth is presenting half-truth. He conceals the other half out of fear of the people's wrath.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Excess in confronting wrongdoing is praised, while restraint in truth-telling leads to half‑truths that hide the full reality out of fear of public backlash.
In simple terms: Bold action vs. cautious speech
Key Takeaway
Full honesty may provoke backlash
Themes
ethics
communication
courage
truth
societal pressure
Mood
defiant
reflective
Type
maxim
political
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- journalism
- activism
- whistleblowing
Key Concepts
integrity
fear
public opinion
Practical Applications
- advocacy campaigns
- transparent reporting
Questions to Reflect On
- When does truth become a liability?
- How can one balance honesty with social harmony?
A Different Perspective
Excess can also cause harm, and truth can be delivered responsibly without inciting wrath.