"For there is no defense for a man who, in the excess of his wealth, has kicked the great altar of Justice out of sight"
- Aeschylus
About this Quote
Aeschylus, an ancient Greek tragedian, frequently explored styles of justice, power, and morality in his works. This quote shows a cautionary message about the hazards of hubris and the ethical loss of sight that can accompany excessive wealth and power.
The images of a man "kicking the terrific altar of Justice out of sight" is effective, recommending a purposeful and contemptuous act. An altar is a spiritual area generally related to praise, reverence, and moral task. By kicking the altar of Justice away, the guy shows extensive disrespect not just for the social agreement and legal systems that underpin society however likewise for the ethical principles that keep cosmic balance in the Greek worldview.
For Aeschylus, justice is a magnificent and intrinsic order. Extreme wealth here is not just a matter of material abundance however is indicative of a deeper moral and ethical decay. The "excess" implies that the man's wealth has surpassed his capability to handle it wisely and morally, leading him to arrogance and a false sense of invincibility. In Greek catastrophe, such hubris-- extreme pride or self-confidence-- typically precedes a fall. By overlooking justice, the man sets himself on a path towards inevitable mess up.
This quote likewise acts as a review of societal structures that allow wealth to eclipse justice. It points to the threats of allowing financial power to influence and corrupt ethical standards. Such habits, Aeschylus implies, can not be protected or justified, as it ultimately undermines the extremely structure of society. When justice is ignored, chaos takes place, and society threats coming down into moral and social condition.
In essence, Aeschylus warns against the temptation to let wealth cloud judgment and morality. It is a timeless care against the arrogance and ethical complacency that can occur when people focus on wealth over justice, ultimately leading to their failure.
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