“No evil can happen to a good man, either in life or after death.”
- 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.
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Quote
“No evil can happen to a good man, either in life or after death.”
Explanation
In this quote, Plato expresses his belief in the moral integrity of the good person, suggesting that virtue shields a person from true harm, whether in life or after death. He asserts that while a good person may face external misfortunes, such as physical suffering, loss, or challenges, these do not constitute true evil or harm. True evil, according to Plato, lies in living a life devoid of virtue and wisdom. For Plato, the soul’s well-being is not determined by external circumstances, but by its alignment with the higher principles of justice, reason, and moral goodness.
This idea aligns with Plato’s views on the immortality of the soul and the notion that true harm to a person occurs only when the soul is corrupted or disconnected from virtue. In his work *The Republic*, Plato explores how the soul’s alignment with goodness and truth leads to its flourishing, while a life driven by vice leads to spiritual harm, regardless of material wealth or status. For Plato, suffering or death is not truly harmful to a good person because the state of their soul remains intact and aligned with higher truths.
In modern terms, this quote suggests that while adversity and misfortune are inevitable aspects of life, a person who lives with integrity, honor, and virtue is not truly harmed by these external circumstances. True harm comes from losing one’s moral compass and living a life disconnected from purpose and meaning. In contemporary life, this quote encourages us to focus on cultivating inner strength and moral clarity, recognizing that the ultimate value of life comes from living in accordance with our values, rather than being determined by the temporary hardships we may face.
