The honest and good man ought to be exactly like a man who smells strong, so that the bystander as soon as he comes near him must smell whether he choose or not.
The quote suggests that a virtuous person should naturally exude goodness and integrity, much like a strong scent that is impossible to ignore. Just as a bystander inevitably notices a strong smell when approaching someone, a good person’s character should be apparent to others, revealing their nature without any conscious effort.
This imagery emphasizes the importance of authenticity in morality; true goodness cannot be hidden or faked. Instead, it should be an intrinsic quality that influences those around them, highlighting the idea that moral actions and virtues naturally attract attention and recognition.
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Other quotes in The Apology, Phaedo & Crito of Plato/Golden Sayings of Epictetus/Meditations of Marcus Aurelius
Other quotes in book quote
All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
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