Single Idea 118

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / e. Character]

Full Idea

Socrates: If I had to choose between doing wrong and having wrong done to me, I'd prefer the latter to the former.

Gist of Idea

I would rather be a victim of crime than a criminal

Source

Plato (Gorgias [c.378 BCE], 469c)

Book Reference

Plato: 'Gorgias', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [OUP World's Classics 1994], p.40


A Reaction

cf Democritus 68B45

Related Idea

Idea 500 The wrongdoer is more unfortunate than the person wronged [Democritus (attr)]