Good deeds Quote by Thucydides
““...good deeds can be shortly stated but where wrong is done a wealth of language is needed to veil its deformity.””
About This Quote
Source Book: History of the Peloponnesian War, Thucydides, c. 411 BC
When wrongdoing occurs, people often use elaborate language to hide it, whereas good actions are simple to describe.
In simple terms: Bad deeds need fancy words to cover them.
Key Takeaway
Beware of overly complex explanations.
Themes
ethics
communication
deception
Mood
skeptical
analytical
Type
critical
reflective
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- legal testimony
- media reporting
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
rhetoric
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we complicate explanations of guilt?
- How can we recognize genuine simplicity?
A Different Perspective
Complex language can also be used for clarity, not just concealment.
