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The Greeks had considered hope the final evil in Pandora's…

“The Greeks had considered hope the final evil in Pandora's box. They also gave us an image of perfect nobility: a human being lovingly doing her duty to another human being despite all threats, and going to her death with pride and courage, not deterred by any hope - Antigone.” quote by Walter Kaufmann
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“The Greeks had considered hope the final evil in Pandora's box. They also gave us an image of perfect nobility: a human being lovingly doing her duty to another human being despite all threats, and going to her death with pride and courage, not deterred by any hope - Antigone.”

Walter Kaufmann

About This Quote

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

Hope is portrayed as a destructive force, while noble duty and courage define true virtue.

In simple terms: Hope can be harmful; duty is noble.

Key Takeaway

Choose duty over false hope.

Themes

ethics philosophy mythology

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • personal decision making
  • leadership
  • ethical dilemmas
  • literary analysis

Key Concepts

nihilism existentialism heroism

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can hope ever be virtuous?
  • How does duty shape identity?
A Different Perspective

Hope also motivates resilience.

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