more on this theme     |     more from this thinker


Single Idea 7896

[filed under theme 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / e. Character ]

Full Idea

The falling of drops of water will in time fill a water-jar. Even so the foolish man becomes full of evil, although he gather it little by little.

Gist of Idea

The foolish gradually fill with evil, like a slowly-filled water-jar

Source

Anon (Dham) (The DhammaPada [c.250 BCE], §9.121)

Book Ref

'The DhammaPada', ed/tr. Mascaro,Juan [Penguin 1973], p.52


A Reaction

This coincides closely with Aristotle's view of moral education. Maybe a wise man can maintain one small vice. Not all slopes are slippery.


The 8 ideas from 'The DhammaPada'

Our life is the creation of our mind [Anon (Dham)]
Hate is conquered by love [Anon (Dham)]
The world is just the illusion of an appearance [Anon (Dham)]
Even divine pleasure will not satisfy the wise, as it is insatiable, and leads to pain [Anon (Dham)]
Speak the truth, yield not to anger, give what you can to him who asks [Anon (Dham)]
Don't befriend fools; either find superior friends, or travel alone [Anon (Dham)]
The foolish gradually fill with evil, like a slowly-filled water-jar [Anon (Dham)]
The wise gradually fill with good, like a slowly-filled water-jar [Anon (Dham)]