“No notice is taken of a little evil, but when it increases it strikes the eye.”
- 384 BC – 322 BC
- Originating from Macedonia in ancient Greece
- Philosopher and scientist, founder of the Lyceum academy
- A student of Plato, he constructed systematic knowledge in logic, biology, politics, ethics, etc., and had a major impact on the development of Western thought and science
Quote
“No notice is taken of a little evil, but when it increases it strikes the eye.”
Explanation
In this quote, Aristotle points out how people often overlook small wrongdoings or minor evils, but when these evils grow or accumulate, they become impossible to ignore. The idea is that gradual harm or injustice may not be immediately recognized or addressed because it seems insignificant at first. However, as the problem intensifies or becomes more widespread, it becomes noticeable and demands attention. Aristotle suggests that we tend to tolerate small wrongs until they snowball into larger issues that disrupt the balance or fairness of a situation, at which point they are hard to overlook.
This concept is still relevant in modern society, particularly in the context of social issues or ethical behavior. In many cases, minor injustices—such as small acts of dishonesty or neglect—may go unnoticed or unchallenged until they escalate into something larger, like widespread corruption or inequality. For example, small environmental violations, if left unchecked, can lead to massive ecological damage over time. Similarly, in personal relationships, small grievances can build up and lead to larger conflicts if not addressed early.
Aristotle’s observation serves as a reminder to be vigilant and mindful of even small evils or unethical behaviors, as they have the potential to grow into larger, more destructive issues. Whether in governance, personal conduct, or social structures, addressing minor injustices before they escalate can prevent more serious problems from arising in the future.
