To run away from trouble is a form of cowardice and, while it is true that the suicide braves death, he does it not for some noble object but to escape some ill.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote explores the notions of courage, cowardice, and the act of running away from difficulties or challenges. It suggests that fleeing from trouble or adversity can be seen as an act of cowardice, as it implies avoiding or evading the confrontations or hardships that life presents. On the other hand, it also highlights the distinction between the courage to face death for a noble cause and the act of suicide as an escape from personal suffering.
The quote emphasizes that true courage lies in confronting and overcoming challenges rather than avoiding them. It implies that running away from trouble may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issues or promote personal growth. It suggests that facing difficulties head-on, with resilience and determination, is a more courageous and constructive approach.
Additionally, the quote draws a distinction between bravery in the face of death for a noble purpose versus suicide as a means of escaping personal hardships. It acknowledges that while suicide may involve braving death, it is not driven by a noble objective but rather a desire to escape suffering. This distinction underscores the importance of finding meaning, purpose, and support in navigating life's challenges, rather than succumbing to despair or seeking a permanent solution to temporary problems.
Overall, this quote encourages us to embrace courage, face challenges with resilience, and seek constructive solutions to difficulties rather than opting for avoidance or escape. It emphasizes the significance of confronting adversity as an opportunity for personal growth, strength, and the pursuit of noble objectives.
Who said the quote?
The quote "To run away from trouble is a form of cowardice and, while it is true that the suicide braves death, he does it not for some noble object but to escape some ill." was said by Aristotle (Bio / Quotes). Aristotle was a Greek philosopher and scientist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest thinkers in history.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
Consider the case of Julius Caesar’s assassination on March 15, 44 BCE. Caesar was a powerful leader whose decisions and actions stirred considerable unrest among the Roman Senate. The conspirators who plotted his murder, including Brutus and Cassius, were driven by a combination of personal grievances and fears about Caesar’s growing power, which they believed threatened the Republic's democratic ideals.
In this historical context, the conspirators' actions reflect a form of "running away from trouble"—they saw Caesar as a formidable problem threatening their vision of Rome’s future. Rather than confronting the complex political issues and potential reforms Caesar represented, they chose to eliminate him as a means to escape what they perceived as an existential threat. The conspirators’ drastic measure to avoid facing Caesar’s influence head-on can be seen as a form of cowardice, according to the quote.
The aftermath of Caesar’s assassination illustrates the consequences of such avoidance. The power vacuum led to further chaos and ultimately the end of the Roman Republic, giving rise to the Roman Empire under Augustus. The conspirators’ attempt to escape the trouble they faced did not resolve their issues but instead exacerbated them, highlighting the dangers of running away from challenges rather than confronting them.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
Applying this quote in a real-life scenario, consider the example of someone facing significant career challenges. Imagine an employee who encounters persistent issues with their job—perhaps they are dealing with a difficult boss or a project that is not going as planned. Instead of addressing these issues directly, the employee decides to resign, believing that quitting will solve their problems.
In this situation, quitting might seem like an escape from the immediate trouble. However, if the underlying issues are not addressed, they could resurface in future positions or other aspects of their life. The decision to leave might be an attempt to avoid confronting uncomfortable but necessary challenges, such as improving skills, negotiating better terms, or finding ways to better manage relationships.
A more constructive approach, aligned with the quote’s message, would be to face these troubles head-on. This could involve having difficult conversations with the boss, seeking additional training, or finding strategies to better handle the project. By tackling the challenges directly, the employee can potentially overcome obstacles and grow professionally. The quote suggests that true courage and strength come from addressing and resolving issues rather than fleeing from them, and this approach often leads to more meaningful and lasting solutions.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
