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If we lived in a state where virtue was profitable, common sense would make us saintly. But since we see that avarice, anger, pride and stupidity commonly profit far beyond charity, modesty, justice and thought, perhaps we must stand fast a little, even at the risk of being heroes.
Thomas More
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote suggests that true virtue is often not rewarded in society, while vices are frequently profited from.

Thomas More reflects on the disparity between virtue and vice, suggesting that if society rewarded virtue, people would naturally become virtuous. However, he emphasizes that since vices like greed and pride often lead to greater rewards, it may require courage and steadfastness to uphold virtues, even if it means standing apart from the crowd as heroes.

Themes

VirtueViceCourageSocietyReward

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about moral integrity, one can use this quote to emphasize the challenges faced by virtuous individuals.

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For when they see the people swarm into the streets, and daily wet to the skin with rain, and yet cannot persuade them to go out of the rain, they do keep themselves within their houses, seeing they cannot remedy the folly of the people.
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There are dreadful punishments enacted against thieves, but it were much better to make such good provisions by which every man might be put in a method how to live, and so be preserved from the fatal necessity of stealing and of dying for it.
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