Do not be a people without a will of your own saying: If…
““Do not be a people without a will of your own saying: If others treat well you will also treat well and if they do wrong we will do wrong; but accustom yourselves to do good if people do good and do not do wrong if they do evil.””
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 not mimic others blindly; instead, adopt good actions when others act well and avoid wrongdoing even when faced with evil.
In simple terms: Choose good actions regardless of others’ behavior.
Key Takeaway
Act morally independent of others’ deeds.
Themes
ethics
autonomy
behavior
morality
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
didactic
inspirational
When to use this quote
- community service
- personal decision making
- leadership training
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
virtue ethics
social responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you maintain integrity in a corrupt environment?
- What influences your moral choices?
A Different Perspective
People may struggle to act virtuously when surrounded by widespread immorality.