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How did Epicurus explain why injustice causes anxiety even when it is not discovered?

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Marble bust of Pythagoras, the ancient Greek mathematician and philosopher, showing a bearded man with a head covering and calm expression. — History of ethics Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras, portrait bust.

Epicurus viewed justice as an expedient social arrangement designed to prevent individuals from harming one another. While one might consider committing an act of injustice if they believe they can avoid detection, Epicurus argued against this behavior.1

He explained that even if an act of injustice remains undiscovered by others, the perpetrator will still experience painful anxiety due to the perpetual dread of being found out. Because the ultimate goal of Epicurean ethics is to achieve tranquility—defined as the absence of pain in the body and trouble in the mind—the constant fear associated with potential discovery undermines this state of well-being. Therefore, injustice is avoided not necessarily because of external laws, but because the internal psychological burden of fear is incompatible with a happy, tranquil life.123