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[46]
Well then, when we are weighing what seems to1
be expedient in friendship against what is morally
right, let apparent expediency be disregarded and
[p. 315]
moral rectitude prevail; and when in friendship
requests are submitted that are not morally right, let
conscience and scrupulous regard for the right take
precedence of the obligations of friendship. In this
way we shall arrive at a proper choice between conflicting duties—the subject of this part of our
investigation.
11. Through a specious appearance of expediency2
wrong is very often committed in transactions between state and state, as by our own country in the
destruction of Corinth. A more cruel wrong was
perpetrated by the Athenians in decreeing that the
Aeginetans, whose strength lay in their navy, should
have their thumbs cut off. This seemed to be
expedient; for Aegina was too grave a menace, as it
was close to the Piraeus. But no cruelty can be
expedient; for cruelty is most abhorrent to human
nature, whose lead we ought to follow.
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