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 excited so much indignation among his contemporaries, friends and neighbors, as his success. This is the one unpardonable crime, which reason cannot defend, nor [can] 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.
People often resent successful individuals because success highlights their own shortcomings and insecurities.
In simple terms: Success can provoke envy and resentment.
Recognize envy’s roots.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- workplace dynamics
- public recognition
- family expectations
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we judge success harshly?
- How can we respond to envy constructively?
Success does not absolve moral responsibility.