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Virtue is its own reward, and brings with it the truest…

“Virtue is its own reward, and brings with it the truest and highest pleasure; but if we cultivate it only for pleasure's sake, we are selfish, not religious, and will never gain the pleasure, because we can never have the virtue.” quote by John Henry Newman
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“Virtue is its own reward, and brings with it the truest and highest pleasure; but if we cultivate it only for pleasure's sake, we are selfish, not religious, and will never gain the pleasure, because we can never have the virtue.”

John Henry Newman

About This Quote

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

Virtue is valuable for its own sake; seeking it solely for pleasure makes it selfish and defeats its true benefit.

In simple terms: Virtue is its own reward, not a means to pleasure.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate virtue for its own sake.

Themes

ethics selflessness spirituality

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • community service
  • spiritual practice
  • education
  • leadership

Key Concepts

virtue ethics intrinsic motivation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What motivates your good actions?
  • How do you distinguish selfless from selfish motives?
A Different Perspective

If pleasure is the only goal, virtue becomes a transaction, losing depth.

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