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But are sailors, frequenters of fiddlers' greens, without…

“But are sailors, frequenters of fiddlers' greens, without vices? No; but less often than with landsmen do their vices, so called, partake of crookedness of heart, seeming less to proceed from viciousness than exuberance of vitality after long constraint: frank manifestations in accordance with…” quote by Herman Melville
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“But are sailors, frequenters of fiddlers' greens, without vices? No; but less often than with landsmen do their vices, so called, partake of crookedness of heart, seeming less to proceed from viciousness than exuberance of vitality after long constraint: frank manifestations in accordance with natural law.”

Herman Melville

About This Quote

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

Sailors, though often seen as wild, may have fewer vices than landpeople, but still face inner moral challenges.

In simple terms: Sailors have different moral struggles than those on land.

Key Takeaway

Recognize that context shapes vice.

Themes

morality human nature context vice sea life

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • maritime work
  • isolated communities
  • stressful jobs

Key Concepts

Existentialism moral relativism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What pressures influence moral choices?
  • How does environment affect virtue?
A Different Perspective

Even isolated groups can develop harmful habits.

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