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Virtue!--to be good and just-- Every heart, when sifted…

“Virtue!--to be good and just-- Every heart, when sifted well, Is a clot of warmer dust, Mix'd with cunning sparks of hell.” quote by Alfred Lord Tennyson
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“Virtue!--to be good and just-- Every heart, when sifted well, Is a clot of warmer dust, Mix'd with cunning sparks of hell.”

Alfred Lord Tennyson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Human nature contains both goodness and sin; moral character emerges from the struggle between virtue and vice.

In simple terms: People are a mix of good and bad.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and nurture the good within.

Themes

morality human nature inner conflict

Mood

contemplative hopeful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • leadership
  • conflict resolution
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

dualism ethical development self‑reflection

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance compassion with self‑discipline?
  • What sparks your inner goodness?
A Different Perspective

Virtue alone cannot erase inherent flaws.

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