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Single Idea 14063
[filed under theme 22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 1. Goodness / i. Moral luck
]
Full Idea
It is better for a good decision not to turn out right in action than for a bad decision to turn out right because of chance.
Gist of Idea
Sooner a good decision going wrong, than a bad one turning out for the good
Source
Epicurus (Letter to Menoeceus [c.291 BCE], 135)
Book Ref
Epicurus: 'The Epicurus Reader', ed/tr. Inwood,B. /Gerson,L. [Hackett 1994], p.31
A Reaction
This sounds right, and on the whole the law agrees. Notice that what we need is a 'good decision', and not just to 'mean well'. The well-meaning fool is wicked. I am opposed to consequentialism, and agree with this idea.
The
16 ideas
from 'Letter to Menoeceus'
14052
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Begin philosophy when you are young, and keep going when you are old
[Epicurus]
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14054
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Fearing death is absurd, because we are not present when it occurs
[Epicurus]
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14053
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It is absurd to fear the pain of death when you are not even facing it
[Epicurus]
|
14055
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The wisdom that produces a good life also produces a good death
[Epicurus]
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1833
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Pleasure is the first good in life
[Epicurus]
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14056
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We only need pleasure when we have the pain of desire
[Epicurus]
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14057
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All pleasures are good, but it is not always right to choose them
[Epicurus]
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14058
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Pleasure is the goal, but as lack of pain and calm mind, not as depraved or greedy pleasure
[Epicurus]
|
1835
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True pleasure is not debauchery, but freedom from physical and mental pain
[Epicurus]
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14059
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The best life is not sensuality, but rational choice and healthy opinion
[Epicurus]
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14060
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Prudence is the greatest good, and more valuable than philosophy, because it produces virtue
[Epicurus]
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1836
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Prudence is more valuable than philosophy, because it avoids confusions of the soul
[Epicurus]
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14061
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Our own choices are autonomous, and the basis for praise and blame
[Epicurus]
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1837
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We should not refer things to irresponsible necessity, but either to fortune or to our own will
[Epicurus]
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14062
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Sooner follow mythology, than accept the 'fate' of natural philosophers
[Epicurus]
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14063
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Sooner a good decision going wrong, than a bad one turning out for the good
[Epicurus]
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