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It is the stain and disgrace of the age to envy virtue…

“It is the stain and disgrace of the age to envy virtue, and to be anxious to crush the very flower of dignity.” quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero
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“It is the stain and disgrace of the age to envy virtue, and to be anxious to crush the very flower of dignity.”

Marcus Tullius Cicero

About This Quote

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

Envying virtue and crushing dignity are the age’s greatest shame.

In simple terms: Envy and contempt erode dignity.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate respect for virtue.

Themes

ethics pride humility social decay morality

Mood

inspirational serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • education
  • leadership
  • community building
  • policy making

Key Concepts

virtue ethics social cohesion psychology of envy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What nurtures genuine virtue?
  • How can societies protect dignity?
A Different Perspective

Virtue can be co-opted for power.

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