One ought to never do wrong - Essay Example

One ought to never do wrong Socrates guides Crito on the importance of doing no harm to others as it is not possible to hurt others without hurting oneself. Doing no harm is a fundamental principle that directs a subtle life full of grace and truth (Balot 118). According to Socrates, doing harm can be explained in a variety of ways. First, it implies that a person is not sensitive or is ignorant to what he believes in thus allowing emotions to take control. Secondly, a person is ignorant of the consequences of harm and thus harms unintentionally.

Socrates advices Crito that as far as a person agrees to the responsibilities and consequences of his or her actions, then unintentional harm can be mitigated. Socrates argued that if a person does harm unintentionally and is willing to learn, then, he or she can be assisted through education. However, if harm is accused by malice, then punishment should be inevitable.Socrates argues that anyone who acts unjust is a dishonor to himself. Socrates touches on the issue of avenging where he argues that returning evil in retaliation is not meaningful as it does not lead to any gains, rather, it leaves a more humiliated soul (Ahbel-Rappe and Kamtekar 15).

This implies that one should be guided by morals of not harming or injuring anyone.Respecting ones beliefs is emphasized by Socrates. He insists that one must do what he or she thinks is right. The right ‘thing’ must prevail regardless of what people think or desire. In a nutshell, Socrates advices that a morally upright person is not supposed to forsake his principles just because he has been wronged.Works cited"The Last Days of Socrates." The Last Days of Socrates. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2014.Ahbel-Rappe and Rachana Kamtekar.

 A Companion to Socrates. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub, 2009. Print. 15Balot, Ryan K. Greek Political Thought. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub, 2006. Print. 118