A thing moderately good is not so good as it ought to be…
“A thing moderately good is not so good as it ought to be. Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Moderation in personal temperament is virtuous, but applying moderation to principles leads to compromise and weakness.
In simple terms: Temperance is good; principle moderation is bad.
Key Takeaway
Uphold strong principles without compromise.
Themes
virtue
principle
moderation
politics
Mood
critical
inspirational
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy debate
- personal ethics
- leadership decisions
Key Concepts
Ethics
political philosophy
integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you compromised a core belief?
- What risks arise from excessive moderation?
A Different Perspective
Over‑moderation can dilute essential values.