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The moral world has no particular objection to vice, but an insuperable repugnance to hearing vice called by its proper name.
William Makepeace Thackeray
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Interpretation

What this quote means

People often accept vice in society but react strongly against openly acknowledging it.

In this quote, Thackeray points out the hypocrisy of human nature regarding morality and vice. While society may tolerate immoral behavior, there is a strong aversion to directly labeling such behavior as immoral, revealing the discomfort people have with the truth about their own or others' flaws.

Themes

MoralityViceHypocrisyTruthSociety

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about ethical behavior in business, this quote could highlight the reluctance to confront issues.

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Quote by William Makepeace Thackeray | QuoteProject