Moral habits, induced by public practices, are far quicker in making their way into men's private lives, than the failings and faults of individuals are in infecting the city at large.
Interpretation
Public practices significantly influence individual moral habits more than personal failings affect society as a whole.
This quote highlights the profound impact that collective public practices have on shaping the moral character of individuals. It suggests that positive habits cultivated through societal norms can permeate personal lives more swiftly than the negative behaviors of individuals can corrupt the broader community.
In practice
During a discussion on ethics in society, I might bring up this quote to emphasize the importance of positive public norms.
Sometimes small incidents, rather than glorious exploits, give us the best evidence of character. So, as portrait painters are more exact in doing the face, where the character is revealed, than the rest of the body, I must be allowed to give my more particular attention to the marks of the souls of men.
It were better to have no opinion of God at all than such a one as is unworthy of him; for the one is only belief - the other contempt.
Come back with your shield - or on it
The richest soil, if uncultivated, produces the rankest weeds.
For the correct analogy for the mind is not a vessel that needs filling, but wood that needs igniting.
Our senses through ignorance of Reality, falsely tell us that what appears to be, is. FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real
The more honest and authentic we are, the more deeply we go into the mystery of our own being.
As soon as beauty is sought not from religion and love, but for pleasure, it degrades the seeker.
Nothing is confused except the mind.
This is essentially a people's contest... whose leading object is to elevate the condition of men - to lift artificial weights from all shoulders - to clear the paths of laudable pursuit for all - to afford all, an unfettered start and a fair chance, in the race of life.
Whoever is open, loyal, true; of humane and affable demeanour; honourable himself, and in his judgement of others; faithful to his word as to law, and faithful alike to God and man....such a man is a true gentleman.
We are material beings for but a moment in time, but we are spiritual beings forever.
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