There is nothing so fleeting as the memory of benefits received.
Francesco GuicciardiniRead
He who imitates what is evil always goes beyond the example that is set; on the contrary, he who imitates what is good always falls short.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that imitating bad actions leads to an escalation of negativity, while imitating good actions often results in never fully achieving the ideal.
Francesco Guicciardini's quote reflects on the nature of human behavior and the consequences of imitation. It implies that when people follow bad examples, they tend to surpass the original negative actions, potentially leading to worse outcomes. Conversely, when striving to emulate good deeds, individuals often find themselves unable to reach the same heights of virtue as their role models, highlighting a common human struggle to achieve moral excellence.
Themes
ImitationGoodEvilBehaviorMoralityExamples
In practice
Example use cases
In a philosophy class, discussing the implications of moral choices in relation to this quote.
More from Francesco Guicciardini
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Conspiracies, since they cannot be engaged in without the fellowship of others, are for that reason most perilous; for as most men are either fools or knaves, we run excessive risk in making such folk our companions.
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Let no one trust so entirely to natural prudence as to persuade himself that it will suffice to guide him without help from experience.
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Francesco GuicciardiniRead
One who imitates what is bad always goes beyond his model; while one who imitates what is good always comes up short of it.
Francesco GuicciardiniRead
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