Full Idea
The origin and nature of morality is a compromise between the ideal of doing wrong without paying for it, and the worst situation, which is having wrong done to one while lacking the means of exacting compensation.
Gist of Idea
Morality is a compromise, showing restraint, to avoid suffering wrong without compensation
Source
Plato (The Republic [c.371 BCE], 359a)
Book Reference
Plato: 'Republic', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [OUP 1993], p.46
A Reaction
This idea is from Glaucon, and is not endorsed by Socrates. Hobbes thought it was right, though he emphasised safety. Game theory makes this approach to moraliy much more plausible.
Related Idea
Idea 10 After a taste of mutual harm, men make a legal contract to avoid it [Plato]