Mind, I am not preaching anything contrary to accepted…
“Mind, I am not preaching anything contrary to accepted morality. I am not advocating free love in this or any other case. Society must go on, I suppose, and society can only exist if the normal, if the virtuous, and the slightly deceitful flourish, and if the passionate, the headstrong, and the too-truthful are condemned to suicide and madness.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Society tolerates a mix of virtues and vices; extreme traits are often condemned, suggesting a balance of moral complexity.
In simple terms: Society needs both good and flawed traits to function.
Accept moral complexity in society.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political theory
- ethics discussions
- cultural analysis
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define a balanced society?
- Which traits should be celebrated?
May romanticize harmful traits.