QuoteProject
Every vice has its excuse ready.
Publilius Syrus
ShareWTF𝕏

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

Never promise more than you can perform.
Publilius SyrusRead
Pain 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

It is wrong to have an ideal view of the world. That's where the mischief starts. That's where everything starts unravelling.
V. S. NaipaulRead
Accuracy to a newspaper is what virtue is to a lady; but a newspaper can always print a retraction.
Adlai E. StevensonRead
Nonresistance, nonjudgment, and nonattachment are the three aspects of true freedom and enlightened living.
Eckhart TolleRead
The great paradox of the 21st century is that, in this age of powerful technology, the biggest problems we face internationally are problems of the human soul.
Ralph PetersRead
The white man is not inherently evil, but America's racist society influences him to act evilly. The society has produced and nourishes a psychology which brings out the lowest, most base part of human beings.
Malcolm XRead
These are the days when the Christian is expected to praise every creed except his own.
Gilbert K. ChestertonRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.

Quote by Publilius Syrus | QuoteProject