A man must fortify himself and understand that a wise man who yields to laziness or anger or passion or love of drink, or who commits any other action prompted by impulse and inopportune, will probably find his fault condoned; but if he stoops to greed, he will not be pardoned, but render himself odious as a combination of all vices at once.

- Apollonius of Tyana -
A man must fortify himself and
A man must fortify himself and
A man must fortify himself and understand that a wise man who yields to laziness or anger or passion or love of drink, or who commits any other action prompted by impulse and inopportune, will probably find his fault condoned; but if he stoops to greed, he will not be pardoned, but render himself odious as a combination of all vices at once.
A man must fortify himself and
A man must fortify himself and understand that a wise man who yields to laziness or anger or passion or love of drink, or who commits any other action prompted by impulse and inopportune, will probably find his fault condoned; but if he stoops to greed, he will not be pardoned, but render himself odious as a combination of all vices at once.
A man must fortify himself and
A man must fortify himself and understand that a wise man who yields to laziness or anger or passion or love of drink, or who commits any other action prompted by impulse and inopportune, will probably find his fault condoned; but if he stoops to greed, he will not be pardoned, but render himself odious as a combination of all vices at once.
A man must fortify himself and
A man must fortify himself and understand that a wise man who yields to laziness or anger or passion or love of drink, or who commits any other action prompted by impulse and inopportune, will probably find his fault condoned; but if he stoops to greed, he will not be pardoned, but render himself odious as a combination of all vices at once.
A man must fortify himself and
A man must fortify himself and understand that a wise man who yields to laziness or anger or passion or love of drink, or who commits any other action prompted by impulse and inopportune, will probably find his fault condoned; but if he stoops to greed, he will not be pardoned, but render himself odious as a combination of all vices at once.
A man must fortify himself and
A man must fortify himself and
A man must fortify himself and
A man must fortify himself and
A man must fortify himself and
A man must fortify himself and

In this quote, Apollonius of Tyana explores the importance of self-discipline and fortification against the destructive power of impulsive emotions and actions. He suggests that while a person may be excused for yielding to emotions such as laziness, anger, passion, or even love of drink, these actions are generally seen as understandable flaws. However, he argues that if someone succumbs to greed, it is seen as a combination of all vices, making the individual not just flawed but odious and beyond pardon. In other words, greed is considered the most morally reprehensible of all vices, as it encompasses the negative qualities of many other impulses.

Apollonius emphasizes the danger of greed, suggesting that it is not just a minor fault but a deeply corrupting force. Unlike other emotions or actions that can be excused as temporary lapses in judgment, greed is inherently self-serving and damaging to both the individual and society. The quote reflects the ancient philosophical understanding that greed leads to a loss of moral integrity, overshadowing all other virtues and vices.

The origin of this quote lies in Apollonius of Tyana’s teachings, which often emphasized self-control, wisdom, and the avoidance of indulgence in base desires. Apollonius was a philosopher and spiritual teacher in ancient Greece, and his thoughts on moral conduct focused on achieving harmony through personal restraint. His warning against greed reflects his belief that true wisdom lies in resisting the urge to act on selfish impulses.

Ultimately, Apollonius’s quote serves as a reminder that while many negative behaviors can be understood or forgiven as part of the human experience, greed is the one impulse that undermines all others. It is a powerful vice that not only corrupts the individual but also degrades their character, making it impossible to find redemption. The lesson encourages self-discipline and the importance of striving for higher moral standards.

Apollonius of Tyana
Apollonius of Tyana

Greek - Philosopher 15 AD - 100 AD

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Have 5 Comment A man must fortify himself and

HHSu Hong Hai

This quote highlights the social stigma attached to greed compared to other faults. Could this be because greed damages not just the individual but the community? How do societal structures encourage or discourage greed? I’m interested in how this ancient wisdom relates to contemporary discussions about ethical behavior, wealth, and the common good.

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QC02. 9/9 Quynh Chi

Reading this, I wonder if the quote suggests that yielding to emotions like anger or passion is human and forgivable, but greed is a conscious choice that defines one’s character. Does this mean that overcoming greed is key to moral fortitude? How might this apply in leadership or governance, where greed can have widespread consequences? It invites reflection on the nature of virtue and vice.

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TDThai Tran Duc

This statement frames greed as the root of all vices, rendering a person odious. Is greed uniquely destructive because it combines selfishness with a relentless desire for more? How do different philosophies or religions address the severity of greed compared to other faults? I’d like to explore how this concept influences modern views on morality and personal responsibility.

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GKBui Gia Khanh

I find it interesting that impulsive actions like anger or passion can be excused, but greed is seen as a fundamental moral failure. Could this imply that greed represents a deeper corruption of character? How do we reconcile this with the reality that many people struggle with greed in varying degrees? It raises questions about self-control, ethics, and social consequences.

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HHHuy Hoang

This quote suggests that while human weaknesses like laziness or anger may be forgiven, greed is uniquely condemnable. Do you think society is harsher on greed because it undermines communal trust and fairness? How might this perspective apply today, especially in the context of economic inequality? I’m curious about how cultural attitudes differentiate greed from other vices in terms of moral judgment.

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