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It costs more to maintain ten vices than one virtue.

“It costs more to maintain ten vices than one virtue.” quote by H. L. Mencken
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“It costs more to maintain ten vices than one virtue.”

H. L. Mencken

About This Quote

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

Maintaining many bad habits costs more than cultivating a single good one.

In simple terms: Bad habits are expensive; virtue is cheap.

Key Takeaway

Focus on one virtue.

Themes

ethics economics self‑control

Mood

reflective serious

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal finance
  • health
  • relationships
  • career development

Key Concepts

cost‑benefit analysis habit formation

Questions to Reflect On

  • Which vice costs you most?
  • Can one virtue outweigh many flaws?
A Different Perspective

Virtue alone may not offset the cost of many vices.

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