back to ideas for this text


Single Idea 502

[from 'reports' by Democritus (attrib), in 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / d. Health ]

Full Idea

Good breeding in cattle depends on physical health, but in men on a well-formed character.

Gist of Idea

Good breeding in men means having a good character

Source

Democritus (attrib) (reports [c.250 BCE], B057), quoted by John Stobaeus - Anthology 4.29.18

Book Reference

'Ancilla to the Pre-Socratic Philosophers', ed/tr. Freeman,Kathleen [Harvard 1957], p.100


A Reaction

In our ultra-democratic age (supposedly) it is heresy to talk about good breeding, or some people being superior to others. But surely people should aim to improve their characters?