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Whilst shame keeps its watch, virtue is not wholly extinguished in the heart; nor will moderation be utterly exiled from the minds of tyrants.
Edmund Burke
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Shame can prevent complete moral decay, even in tyrants, as it preserves a semblance of virtue and moderation.

This quote by Edmund Burke suggests that while tyranny and vice may prevail, the feeling of shame still lingers in the hearts of even the most corrupt individuals. It underscores the idea that virtue and moderation are never entirely lost; they may be suppressed, but the potential for moral reflection and rectitude remains, hinting at an inherent humanity within everyone.

Themes

ShameVirtueModerationTyrannyMoralityHumanity

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about resilience in leadership, one might refer to this quote to emphasize the importance of moral integrity.

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Society can overlook murder, adultery or swindling; it never forgives preaching of a new gospel.
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The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
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