Two wrongs don't make a right, but they make a good excuse.

"Two wrongs don't make a right, but they make a good excuse." These words, spoken by Thomas Szasz, carry a powerful reflection on human nature and the temptations we face when dealing with injustice or wrongdoing. Szasz’s statement reveals a truth about the human propensity to justify immoral actions by pointing to the wrongdoings of others. While we may recognize that two wrongs cannot make a right, we often find that they provide us with a convenient excuse to justify our own actions. In this simple yet profound sentence, Szasz exposes a human flaw that transcends time, reminding us of the danger of rationalizing our behavior and the consequences that can follow.

In the ancient world, philosophers such as Socrates and Aristotle grappled with the ethics of revenge and justice. Socrates, in his dialogue The Apology, argued that wrongdoing cannot be corrected with more wrongdoing, for it only perpetuates the cycle of harm. Similarly, Aristotle, in his Nicomachean Ethics, cautioned against reacting in anger or vengeance, for such actions are driven by irrational emotions rather than the pursuit of virtue and justice. The ancient philosophers understood that moral behavior requires a clear mind and a steady commitment to doing what is right, regardless of how others have wronged us. Szasz echoes this sentiment in his reflection that while two wrongs may provide an excuse, they never lead to true justice.

Consider the story of Achilles, the great warrior of the Iliad, whose rage and desire for vengeance clouded his judgment throughout the epic. In his fury over the loss of his friend Patroclus, Achilles sought vengeance on Hector, the prince of Troy, ultimately killing him in a brutal and dishonorable manner. While his grief and anger were understandable, Achilles' actions only perpetuated the cycle of violence and hatred, leading to more suffering for both the Trojans and the Greeks. In this way, Achilles embodies the idea that two wrongs, though emotionally justified, never lead to a true sense of right. The path of revenge and retribution only extends the cycle of harm, leaving no room for healing or peace.

In modern times, this principle still holds true. We often see individuals and even entire societies justifying harmful actions with the excuse that they are responding to wrongs done to them. For instance, when a nation engages in war, it may claim that its actions are justified by the provocations of another. Yet, as history has shown, wars rarely end with true justice, but with a continued cycle of violence and suffering. The desire for retribution may provide a moral cover, but it never brings closure or peace. In these moments, the words of Szasz remind us that while excuses for harmful actions can be easily found, the true path forward lies in breaking free from the cycle of wrongdoing.

The lesson in Szasz’s words is one of moral clarity and self-discipline. It is all too easy to justify our own wrongs by pointing to the wrongs of others. In fact, human nature often encourages us to seek retribution or vengeance in response to hurt or injustice. However, to follow this path is to remain trapped in a cycle of suffering and conflict. Just as Socrates and Aristotle taught that true justice comes from reason, reflection, and virtue, Szasz’s quote challenges us to rise above the temptation to justify our actions through the wrongs of others. True justice requires a commitment to doing what is right, even when the world around us may seem unjust.

The practical application of this wisdom calls for self-awareness and emotional control. In moments of conflict, we must resist the temptation to retaliate and instead focus on responding with wisdom and integrity. When we are wronged, the temptation is to act impulsively, to even the score or to lash out. But Szasz’s quote encourages us to rise above these instincts and to act in accordance with a higher moral standard. In doing so, we not only break the cycle of harm but also cultivate peace, healing, and a greater sense of justice.

In the end, Szasz’s message is a reminder that excuses will never lead to true resolution. The path of retaliation may seem justified in the moment, but it ultimately perpetuates more suffering. Let us, instead, cultivate a spirit of forgiveness, understanding, and peace. By choosing not to perpetuate wrongs, we break free from the cycle of anger and hurt, and we open the way for true healing. Let us live by the wisdom of the ancients and the clarity of Szasz’s words, remembering that the pursuit of virtue and justice is not found in seeking to right the wrongs done to us, but in choosing to rise above them with honor and integrity.