There is no vice of which a man can be guilty, no…
“There is no vice of which a man can be guilty, no meanness, no shabbiness, no unkindness, which excites so much indignation among his contemporaries, friends and neighbours, as his success. This is the one unpardonable crime, which reason cannot defend, nor humility mitigate.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Success provokes envy and moral outrage, making it the most unforgivable crime beyond any vice.
In simple terms: Success incites envy.
Key Takeaway
Handle success with humility.
Themes
envy
success
social perception
Mood
philosophical
critical
Type
reflective
analytical
When to use this quote
- leadership
- public life
- peer relations
Key Concepts
ethics
humility
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- How should leaders respond to envy?
- Can success be ethically managed?
A Different Perspective
Success can be positive; envy is a reaction, not a crime.