...for although we may fully respect our social…
““...for although we may fully respect our social conventions...it may unfortunately happen that , through the perversity of others we encounter only the thorns of life, whilst the wicked gather nothing but roses. will it not be said that virtue, however fair she may be, becomes the worst cause one can espouse... when she has grown so weak that she cannot struggle against vice? ” - La Nouvelle Justine ou les Malheurs de la vertu, suivie de l'histoire de Juliette””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Virtue can become a harmful force when weak, leading to suffering despite social conventions.
In simple terms: Virtue may turn harmful when weak.
Key Takeaway
Question the true value of virtue.
Themes
philosophy
morality
society
Mood
critical
philosophical
Type
Life:1
Virtue:1
Roses Said:0
Social Conventions:1
Said Virtue:0
Thorns Life:0
When to use this quote
- political debate
- personal ethics
- social reform
Key Concepts
ethical relativism
virtue ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- When does virtue become oppressive?
- Can weakness be a virtue?
A Different Perspective
Idealizing virtue may ignore practical realities.