Hello all,
I’ve been thinking about PD 35 and Vatican Saying 7, A common interpretation (especially in modern discussions) is that even a single unjust act results in ever-lasting fear or instability until death, since one can never be certain of escaping detection. But I’m wondering whether that overstates the claim and may be a strawman to knock down Epicurus more by imagining that Epicurus says that someone who stole a DVD as a kid 10 years ago will still live in constant fear. To be clear he's absolutely against all injustice for it's anxiety but i wonder if the points on it destroying happiness are more about a single act or a persistent trait or lifestyle.
Both texts use present participles (e.g. ὁ λάθρα τι ποιοῦν, ἀδικοῦντα), in Vatican Saying 7 it is "A wrongdoer (someone who is persistent in wrongdoing)" and in PD35 it is "One who secretly violates the pact (a persistent trait)" which might suggest not merely a one-off action but someone engaged in injustice as an ongoing practice or disposition.
My main question is as follows: Did Epicurus claim that any single act of injustice (no matter how small) ruins a life through constant anxiety unless caught or turning oneself in, or is he primarily targeting those who engage in injustice as a recurring pattern or stable trait being filled with fear because they constantly violate the pact?
I’d be especially interested in how people read the Greek participles here, perhaps people like Don and Bryan could help in clarifying whether Epicurus’ point is meant to apply universally to even a single unjust act, or more specifically to injustice as a way of life or permanent trait.
Thanks!