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No habit or quality is more easily acquired than…

“No habit or quality is more easily acquired than hypocrisy, nor any thing sooner learned than to deny the sentiments of our hearts and the principle we act from: but the seeds of every passion are innate to us, and nobody comes into the world without them.” quote by Bernard de Mandeville
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“No habit or quality is more easily acquired than hypocrisy, nor any thing sooner learned than to deny the sentiments of our hearts and the principle we act from: but the seeds of every passion are innate to us, and nobody comes into the world without them.”

Bernard de Mandeville

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 tends toward hypocrisy, denying true feelings while innate passions drive behavior.

In simple terms: People often hide true feelings and follow innate desires.

Key Takeaway

Beware of self‑deception.

Themes

human nature hypocrisy innate drives

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • ethical debates
  • psychological analysis

Key Concepts

morality psychology social behavior

Questions to Reflect On

  • What passions do you deny?
  • How does hypocrisy affect relationships?
A Different Perspective

Self‑deception can justify harmful actions.

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