The avoidance of little evils, little sins, little…
““The avoidance of little evils, little sins, little inconsistencies, little weaknesses, little follies, little indiscretions and imprudences, little foibles, little indulgences of self and of the flesh, little acts of indolence or indecision, or slovenliness or cowardice, little equivocations or aberrations from high integrity, little touches of shabbiness or meanness...little indifferences to the feelings or wishes of others, little outbreaks of temper, or crossness, or selfishness, or vanity - the avoidance of such little things as these goes far to make up at least the negative beauty of a holy life.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Avoiding minor moral failings cumulatively builds a virtuous character and a holy life.
In simple terms: Small sins erode virtue; avoiding them builds holiness.
Cultivate attention to minor faults.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- leadership
- ethical decision‑making
- daily routines
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Which minor habit could you improve today?
- How does attention to detail affect trust?
Neglecting small flaws can still cause harm if not addressed.