As the generations pass they grow worse. A time will come…
““As the generations pass they grow worse. A time will come when they have grown so wicked that they will worship power; might will be right to them and reverence for the good will cease to be. At last, when no man is angry any more at wrongdoing or feels shame in the presence of the miserable, Zeus will destroy them too. And yet even then something might be done, if only the common people would rise and put down rulers that oppress them.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
When moral decay spreads, common people must rise against oppressive rulers.
In simple terms: People must resist corrupt power.
Key Takeaway
Stand against oppression.
Themes
justice
rebellion
morality
power
society
Mood
serious
defiant
Type
Common people:1
Destructiveness:0
Erich fromm:0
Greek-myths:1
Myths:1
Time:0
Generations Pass:0
Grow Worse:0
Zeus Destroy:0
Miserable Zeus:0
Rulers Oppress:1
When to use this quote
- historical analysis
- activism
- community organizing
Key Concepts
ethical decay
political uprising
Questions to Reflect On
- Will you act when injustice appears?
- What risks are involved in rebellion?
A Different Perspective
Idealizing common people may ignore practical constraints.