The generality of virtuous women are like hidden treasures, they are safe only because nobody has sought after them.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
We do not despise all those who have vices, but we do despise those that have no virtue.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that while we may acknowledge human imperfections, a lack of virtue is a greater flaw than having vices.
Francois De La Rochefoucauld's quote reflects the understanding that everyone has flaws and vices; however, it is the absence of virtue, the moral principles and qualities that define good character, that should truly concern us. In essence, the quote argues that it is more acceptable to struggle with personal shortcomings than to lack the fundamental qualities that make one admirable or ethical.
Themes
ViceVirtueCharacterMoralityPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on the nature of human flaws during a philosophy class.
More from Francois De La Rochefoucauld
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The defects and faults of the mind are like wounds in the body; after all imaginable care has been taken to heal them up, still there will be a scar left behind, and they are in continual danger of breaking the skin and bursting out again.
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To understand matters rightly we should understand their details; and as that knowledge is almost infinite, our knowledge is always superficial and imperfect.
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