Single Idea 2097

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / B. Contract Ethics / 1. Contractarianism]

Full Idea

Unless I gain a reputation for morality, my actually being moral will do me no good, but an immoral person who has managed to get a reputation for morality is said to have a wonderful life.

Gist of Idea

Isn't it better to have a reputation for goodness than to actually be good?

Source

Plato (The Republic [c.371 BCE], 365b)

Book Reference

Plato: 'Republic', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [OUP 1993], p.53