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He who is running a race ought to endeavor and strive to…

“He who is running a race ought to endeavor and strive to the utmost of his ability to come off victor; but it is utterly wrong for him to trip up his competitor, or to push him aside. So in life it is not unfair for one to seek for himself what may accrue to his benefit; but it is not right to…” quote by Chrysippus
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“He who is running a race ought to endeavor and strive to the utmost of his ability to come off victor; but it is utterly wrong for him to trip up his competitor, or to push him aside. So in life it is not unfair for one to seek for himself what may accrue to his benefit; but it is not right to take it from another.”

Chrysippus

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

One should strive for personal excellence without sabotaging others; success earned fairly is virtuous, but harming competitors is unethical.

In simple terms: Do your best, don’t hurt others.

Key Takeaway

Aim high, stay fair.

Themes

ethics competition fairness

Mood

reflective serious

Type

moral philosophical

When to use this quote

  • sports
  • business
  • academic pursuits
  • political campaigns

Key Concepts

virtue ethics justice self‑improvement

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance ambition with fairness?
  • What limits should be set on competitive behavior?
A Different Perspective

Winning by cheating undermines integrity and societal trust.

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