I am more affected by the attractions of virtue than by…
“I am more affected by the attractions of virtue than by the deformities of vice; I turn gently away from the wicked and I fly to meet the good. If there is in a literary work, in a character, in a picture, in a statue, a beautiful spot, that is where my eyes rest; I see only that, I remember only that, all the rest is well-nigh forgotten. What becomes of me when the whole work is beautiful!”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Beauty captivates the mind, drawing focus away from vice; the soul seeks the good and forgets the rest.
In simple terms: Beauty draws attention, eclipsing vice.
Key Takeaway
Seek beauty to uplift the spirit.
Themes
aesthetics
virtue
focus
Mood
contemplative
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- museum visits
- reading literature
- creative work
Key Concepts
philosophy
art appreciation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does beauty influence your moral choices?
- Can you appreciate art without idealizing it?
A Different Perspective
Obsession with beauty can ignore moral complexities.