Character Quote by Democritus
“Virtue isn't not wronging others but not wishing to wrong others.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophical treatise, c. 300 BC
Moral virtue involves both refraining from harm and wishing goodwill.
In simple terms: Virtue = no harm + good wishes.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate both restraint and kindness.
Themes
ethics
virtue
humanity
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- community leadership
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
intentionality
non‑maleficence
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you practice wishing goodwill daily?
- What obstacles hinder non‑harmful behavior?
A Different Perspective
Balancing intent and action can be challenging.
![“For her [Françoise], wealth was like a necessary condition without which virtue would lack both merit and charm. She made so little distinction between the two that she came to see their qualities as interchangeable, expecting material comfort from virtue and moral edification from wealth.” quote by Marcel Proust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/573/marcel-proust-114_character_for-her-fran-oise-wealth-was-like-a-nece_2687.jpg)
