Never promise more than you can perform.
Publilius SyrusRead
Every vice has its excuse ready.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People often rationalize their unethical behavior with excuses.
This quote reflects the idea that individuals are adept at creating justifications for their wrongdoings. It suggests a human tendency to avoid accountability by providing reasons for actions that might be considered vices or immoral. The ability to craft excuses highlights a deeper understanding of our flaws and the complexities of moral decision-making.
Themes
ExcusesViceMoralityAccountabilityHuman Nature
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on ethics, this quote can be used to illustrate how people justify negative behavior.
More from Publilius Syrus
All quotes βPain forces even the innocent to lie.
Publilius SyrusRead
In a heated argument we are apt to lose sight of the truth.
Publilius SyrusRead
Admonish your friends privately, but praise them openly.
Publilius SyrusRead
What a tragedy is help where it harms what it supports!
Publilius SyrusRead
The miser is as much in want of what he has as of what he has not.
Publilius SyrusRead
Similar quotes
Maher Arar's case stands as a sad example of how we have been too willing to sacrifice our core principles to overarching government power in the name of security, when doing so only undermines the principles we stand for and makes us less safe.
Patrick LeahyRead
Crazy people are not crazy if one accepts their reasoning.
Gabriel Garcia MarquezRead
The first-beginnings of things cannot be distinguished by the eye.
LucretiusRead
Temperance is simply a disposition of the mind which binds the passion.
Thomas AquinasRead
What is feminism? Simply the belief that women should be as free as men, however nuts, dim, deluded, badly dressed, fat, receding, lazy and smug they might be. Are you a feminist? Hahaha. Of course you are.
Caitlin MoranRead
If there is meaning in life at all, then there must be a meaning in suffering. Suffering is an ineradicable part of life, even as fate and death. Without suffering and death human life cannot be complete.
Viktor E. FranklRead