Gyges' ring
“Gygis annulus”
The story refers to an invisibility ring as a thought experiment in Plato's Republic – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring_of_Gyges.
Erasmus' entry in the Adagia gives at first a broader interpretation. Gyges' ring is applied either to men of inconsistent morals or to the fortunate, who obtain whatever they wish for through a magical ring. He then recounts Plato's parable of a shepherd finding the ring, discovering its power and abusing it for evil purposes.
Would we still behave ethically if no-one is watching? Is oversight necessary or does all regulation have unintended consequences? In an ideal world, would it be better to abide to strong moral codes, enforced by social pressure? In such a world, education and training deserves more emphasis than regulation. More and better schools, less parliaments.
Greenwashing is making exaggerated, misleading or selective claims about environmental performance. Genuine environmental excellence speaks for itself and doesn't need communication. If the emphasis is on visibility, is there more risk of greenwashing, or do we need public scrutiny to reduce greenwashing risk?
The most sincere charity is anonymous donation. Conspicuous donation risks redwashing or social washing, but it still can be effective.
Many rhetorical questions to which there are no factual answers. Asking and discussing the right questions is a step in addressing them.
[Erasmus, Adagia #96]
- Initial post 19-May-25
- Edited 28-Jul-25