“Injustice is censured because the censures are afraid of suffering, and not from any fear which they have of doing injustice.”
- 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
“Injustice is censured because the censures are afraid of suffering, and not from any fear which they have of doing injustice.”
Explanation
In this quote, Plato suggests that people often criticize or condemn injustice not because they genuinely care about the moral wrongness of it, but because they fear suffering the consequences of such actions. The criticism is rooted in self-interest rather than a true commitment to justice. Plato implies that most people’s concern with injustice is not about its impact on others or the violation of moral principles, but rather the personal consequences they may face if they themselves become victims of injustice or if it harms their own well-being. In other words, people may disapprove of injustice primarily because they fear being harmed by it, not because they fear the act of injustice itself as immoral.
This idea aligns with Plato’s broader view on the nature of justice and morality. In *The Republic*, Plato explores how true justice involves a commitment to the common good and a moral integrity that transcends personal benefit. In contrast, people who are not truly virtuous may criticize or act against injustice merely out of fear for their own security or well-being, not because they are devoted to the pursuit of truth or the welfare of others.
In modern contexts, this quote can be seen as a critique of those who righteously condemn injustice when it is convenient for them or when they stand to benefit from doing so, but who would not act on moral grounds if their own interests were not at stake. It speaks to the importance of acting with genuine moral courage and a commitment to justice, not merely out of fear of suffering or a desire to avoid the consequences of injustice. Plato’s quote challenges us to reflect on our motivations and whether we act justly because it is the right thing to do, or only when it is in our own self-interest.
