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You are mistaken, my friend, if you think that a man who…

“You are mistaken, my friend, if you think that a man who is worth anything ought to spend his time weighing up the prospects of life and death. He has only one thing to consider in performing any action - that is, whether he is acting rightly or wrongly, like a good man or a bad one.” quote by Plato
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“You are mistaken, my friend, if you think that a man who is worth anything ought to spend his time weighing up the prospects of life and death. He has only one thing to consider in performing any action - that is, whether he is acting rightly or wrongly, like a good man or a bad one.”

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 not obsess over life or death outcomes, but act according to moral rightness.

In simple terms: Act rightly, not worry about outcomes.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize ethical judgment over fear.

Themes

ethics decision making philosophy

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • political leadership
  • personal dilemmas
  • military orders

Key Concepts

moral philosophy virtue ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What defines “right” in complex situations?
  • How to balance moral duty with real risks?
A Different Perspective

May ignore practical consequences.

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