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It is often laziness and timidity that keep us within our…

“It is often laziness and timidity that keep us within our duty while virtue gets all the credit.” quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld
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“It is often laziness and timidity that keep us within our duty while virtue gets all the credit.”

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

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 cling to duty out of fear, while true virtue is overlooked and uncelebrated.

In simple terms: Fear keeps us in duty, virtue ignored.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and reward genuine virtue.

Themes

duty virtue fear recognition

Mood

reflective critical

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • workplace
  • family
  • community leadership

Key Concepts

Moral psychology social dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we better acknowledge unseen virtue?
  • What systems reward duty over virtue?
A Different Perspective

Virtue may be hidden by conformity and self‑interest.

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