“Let the punishment match the offense”
— Marcus Tullius Cicero
Simplified Meaning:
Every wrongdoing deserves a fair response that is equal to how bad the wrongdoing is. If someone makes a small mistake, the consequence for that mistake should be small. For example, if a child forgets to do their homework once, a gentle reminder is usually enough, instead of giving them a big punishment. On the other hand, if someone does something very serious, like stealing, the punishment should be stronger to show that the act was very wrong. This idea helps make sure that punishments are fair and just. When applying this to life, it means thinking carefully about how serious an action is before deciding on a consequence, ensuring it is fair and reasonable.