“He who commits injustice is ever made more wretched than he who suffers it.”
- 427 BC – 347 BC
- Born in Athens, ancient Greece
- Philosopher, scholar, founder of the Academy
- A student of Socrates, his works include “The Republic” and “The Symposium,” and he had a major influence on Western philosophy with his ideas and philosopher-rulership.
Quote
“He who commits injustice is ever made more wretched than he who suffers it.”
Explanation
In this quote, Plato argues that the wrongdoer—the one who commits injustice—is more miserable than the one who suffers from it. While the victim of injustice may experience pain or hardship, it is the wrongdoer who ultimately suffers more, because moral corruption and unethical behavior lead to a disturbed soul. The wrongdoer’s inner disharmony, caused by their actions, corrupts their sense of self and their relationship with truth and virtue. Plato believed that living a life of injustice ultimately leads to a state of inner turmoil, guilt, and spiritual degradation, making the person less happy and more wretched than their victim, even if the victim suffers outwardly.
This idea is central to Plato’s view of justice and virtue. In works like *The Republic*, Plato emphasizes that justice is not just about external actions but about the state of the soul. A just person is in harmony with themselves, while an unjust person is in conflict with their own nature, which leads to moral suffering. According to Plato, true happiness and well-being are found in virtuous living, and those who commit injustice are living out of alignment with truth and goodness, which makes them fundamentally unhappy, regardless of their external circumstances.
In modern contexts, this quote can be interpreted as a reminder that immoral behavior leads to internal suffering and dissatisfaction. While the wrongdoer may gain material rewards or short-term advantages, their lack of integrity and moral corruption ultimately makes them less fulfilled and less at peace than those they harm. Plato’s message encourages us to focus on inner goodness and moral integrity, as true happiness comes not from external success but from living a life aligned with justice and virtue.
