Both as to high and low indifferently, men are…
“Both as to high and low indifferently, men are prepossessed, charmed, fascinated by success; successful crimes are praised very much like virtue itself, and good fortune is not far from occupying the place of the whole cycle of virtues. It must be an atrocious act, a base and hateful deed, which success would not be able to justify.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People are drawn to success and treat it like a virtue, even when it stems from immoral acts.
In simple terms: Success is admired even when immoral.
Key Takeaway
Beware glorifying success without moral scrutiny.
Themes
ethics
success
virtue
hypocrisy
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- political ambition
- corporate culture
- celebrity scandals
- historical revolutions
Key Concepts
moral relativism
social influence
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we differentiate genuine virtue from successful wrongdoing?
- What mechanisms can prevent moral blind spots in societies?
A Different Perspective
Success can mask wrongdoing, leading to misplaced praise.