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A man who is good for anything ought not to calculate the…

“A man who is good for anything ought not to calculate the chance of living or dying; he ought only to consider whether in doing anything he is doing right or wrong - acting the part of a good man or of a bad.” quote by Plato
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“A man who is good for anything ought not to calculate the chance of living or dying; he ought only to consider whether in doing anything he is doing right or wrong - acting the part of a good man or of a bad.”

Plato

About This Quote

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

A virtuous person should focus on moral rightness rather than calculating survival odds, acting according to goodness or badness.

In simple terms: Act morally, not based on survival odds.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize ethical decisions over self‑preservation.

Themes

ethics philosophy morality decision‑making existence

Mood

serious contemplative

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • life‑threatening jobs
  • war
  • medical ethics
  • risk assessment
  • personal dilemmas

Key Concepts

virtue ethics determinism human nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • When should self‑preservation outweigh moral choice?
  • Can good intentions justify harmful outcomes?
A Different Perspective

Ignoring practical risks can be reckless.

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