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Few are those who wish to be endowed with virtue rather than to seem so.
Marcus Tullius Cicero
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Many people prefer to appear virtuous rather than to truly possess virtue.

This quote by Cicero highlights the human tendency to prioritize outward appearances over genuine traits, particularly virtue. It suggests that a significant number of individuals may seek to be perceived as good or moral rather than actually striving to embody these qualities in their actions and decisions, reflecting a deeper commentary on human nature and societal values.

Themes

VirtueAppearanceHuman NatureAuthenticityMorality

In practice

Example use cases

During a discussion on ethics, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of true moral character over mere reputation.

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