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Our virtues are the quicksands, which show themselves at…

“Our virtues are the quicksands, which show themselves at calm and low water; but let the waves arise and the winds buffet them, and the poor devil whose hope was in their durability, finds them sink from under him.” quote by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
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““Our virtues are the quicksands, which show themselves at calm and low water; but let the waves arise and the winds buffet them, and the poor devil whose hope was in their durability, finds them sink from under him.””

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

About This Quote

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

Our moral strengths can collapse under pressure, revealing their fragility when faced with adversity.

In simple terms: Virtues may crumble when tested.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and strengthen inner resilience.

Themes

morality resilience human nature

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal crises
  • leadership challenges
  • ethical dilemmas
  • stressful situations

Key Concepts

philosophy psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you test your own virtues?
  • What supports you when pressures rise?
A Different Perspective

Strength alone may not guarantee durability without support.

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