"He fashions evil for himself who does evil to another, and an evil plan does mischief to the planner"

The ancient aphorism from Hesiod explores the intrinsic relationship between one's actions and their inevitable consequences. When an individual engages in wrongdoing against another, the malice they create is not confined solely to their intended victim; rather, it boomerangs, shaping and corrupting the very architect of such evil deeds. There is an implicit wisdom here about the self-destructive nature of ill intent. By forging harm for others, a person cannot escape the shadow of that harm falling upon themselves. The act of committing evil molds a person's character, gradually distorting their conscience, numbing empathy, and fostering a tendency toward further wrongdoing. Repeated acts of malice generate a habitual moral decay that ultimately enslaves and diminishes the doer.

Furthermore, the saying underlines the futility and peril inherent in malicious scheming. Evil plans, regardless of their cunning, are fraught with unpredictable consequences that often ensnare the originator. Rarely does the world work precisely as the plotter expects; unforeseen complications, the reaction of others, and the unpredictable course of fate frequently subvert the schemer’s designs. This mischief ricochets back, sometimes manifesting through retribution from others, a loss of trust, or isolation as one becomes known for treachery.

Hesiod points to a kind of cosmic justice, the universe, through both social dynamics and personal transformation, ensures that evil rarely benefits its author in the long run. The suffering intended for others rebounds upon the source, teaching a cautionary lesson about the interconnectedness of human deeds and destinies. It is not just a moral warning; it is also a reflection on practical wisdom, urging people to refrain from evil not merely for the sake of others but for their own well-being and self-preservation. By harming another, one lays the groundwork for one’s own misfortune, establishing a cycle of suffering that is difficult to escape.