“Hope of ill gain is the beginning of loss”
— Democritus
Simplified Meaning:
When people hope to get rich or succeed by doing bad or dishonest things, they usually end up losing more in the end. Think about someone who tries to make a lot of money by cheating others. At first, it might seem like they're doing well, but over time, this behavior usually catches up with them. They might get caught, lose their money, or damage their reputation. In history, many corrupt leaders and businessmen who tried to gain through wrongful means often faced downfall. For example, if a student decides to cheat on an exam to get good grades, there’s a high chance they’ll eventually get caught and face severe consequences, such as suspension. Instead of trying to win by doing wrong, it’s better to focus on honest and fair ways to achieve goals.