QuoteProject
All of us are experts at practicing virtue at a distance.
Theodore Hesburgh
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

People often find it easy to endorse virtuous behavior without actively engaging in it.

This quote by Theodore Hesburgh highlights the tendency of individuals to commend virtue from afar while neglecting to embody those virtues in their own lives. It suggests that the true test of virtue lies not in mere approval of good actions but in the courage to practice them in everyday situations, especially when faced with personal challenges.

Themes

VirtuePracticeDistanceActionsCharacter

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a discussion on ethics during a philosophy class.

More from Theodore Hesburgh

The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You can't blow an uncertain trumpet.
Theodore HesburghRead
My basic principle is that you don't make decisions because they are cheap; you make them because they're right.
Theodore HesburghRead
It is easier to exemplify values than teach them.
Theodore HesburghRead
I can think of no better way of redeeming this tragic world today than love and laughter. Too many of the young have forgotten how to laugh, and too many of the elders have forgotten how to love. Would not our lives be lightened if only we could all learn to laugh more easily at ourselves and to love one another?
Theodore HesburghRead
Anyone who refuses to speak out off campus does not deserve to be listened to on campus.
Theodore HesburghRead

Similar quotes

When men, engaged in unjustifiable pursuits, are aware that obstructions may come from a quarter which bare apprehension of opposition from doing what they would with eagerness rush into if no such external impediments were to be feared.
Alexander HamiltonRead
I realize that I'm black, but I like to be viewed as a person, and this is everybody's wish.
Michael JordanRead
You know what I think?" she says. "That people's memories are maybe the fuel they burn to stay alive. Whether those memories have any actual importance or not, it doesn't matter as far as the maintenance of life is concerned. They're all just fuel. Advertising fillers in the newspaper, philosophy books, dirty pictures in a magazine, a bundle of ten-thousand-yen bills: when you feed 'em to the fire, they're all just paper.
Haruki MurakamiRead
We satisfy our endless needs and justify our bloody deeds in the name of destiny and in the name of God.
Don HenleyRead
Give obedience where 'tis truly owed.
William ShakespeareRead
Let us with Caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion.
George WashingtonRead

A little wisdom, now and then

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