Crime Quote by Chilon of Sparta
“Prefer punishment to disgraceful gain; for the one is painful but once, but the other for one's whole life.”
About This Quote
Source Quote: Ancient Greek maxim, attributed to Chilon of Sparta, 6th century BC
Choosing a brief painful punishment is better than a lifelong disgraceful gain.
In simple terms: Short pain beats long shame.
Key Takeaway
Accept short-term pain to avoid lasting dishonor.
Themes
ethics
selfcontrol
reputation
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
moral
philosophical
When to use this quote
- career decisions
- financial choices
- personal integrity
- public image
Key Concepts
Stoicism
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- Is a short pain worth avoiding a lifelong stain?
- How do you weigh immediate discomfort against future reputation?
A Different Perspective
May be unrealistic to avoid all shame; sometimes risk is necessary.
