Single Idea 2168

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / i. Self-interest]

Full Idea

Clever criminals are exactly like those runners who do well on the way up the track, and then flag on the way back.

Gist of Idea

Clever criminals do well at first, but not in the long run

Source

Plato (The Republic [c.371 BCE], 613b)

Book Reference

Plato: 'Republic', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [OUP 1993], p.370


A Reaction

Presumably there is some concept of natural justice lurking behind this comparison. Apart from the money, though, it is hard to imagine any professional criminal leading a flourishing life.