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Greater mischief happens often from folly, meanness, and…

“Greater mischief happens often from folly, meanness, and vanity than from the greater sins of avarice and ambition.” quote by Edmund Burke
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“Greater mischief happens often from folly, meanness, and vanity than from the greater sins of avarice and ambition.”

Edmund Burke

About This Quote

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

Minor vices like folly, meanness, and vanity cause more trouble than major sins such as greed and ambition.

In simple terms: Small selfish traits can cause more harm than big sins.

Key Takeaway

Watch and curb petty vices.

Themes

morality human nature ethics

Mood

critical reflective

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • political discourse
  • leadership

Key Concepts

vice consequence

Questions to Reflect On

  • Which petty vice harms you most?
  • Can big sins be less damaging?
A Different Perspective

Not all serious sins are equally harmful.

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