bad men... aim at getting more than their share of…
““bad men... aim at getting more than their share of advantages, while in labor and public service they fall short of their share; and each man wishing for advantage to himself criticizes his neighbor and stands in his way; for if people do not watch it carefully the common weal is soon destroyed. The result is that they are in a state of faction, putting compulsion on each other but unwilling themselves to do what is just.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People selfishly seek advantage, neglecting duty, leading to division and injustice.
In simple terms: Selfishness harms society.
Key Takeaway
Balance personal gain with communal responsibility.
Themes
selfishness
justice
social cohesion
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
ethical
political
When to use this quote
- workplace
- government
- community projects
- volunteer work
Key Concepts
political theory
ethics
public service
Questions to Reflect On
- What duties are you neglecting for personal gain?
- How can you promote fairness in your group?
A Different Perspective
Ideal behavior is hard to achieve; competing interests persist.