Skip to content

A virtue that only causes havoc and unhappiness is worth…

“A virtue that only causes havoc and unhappiness is worth nothing. You can call it virtue if you like. I call it cowardice.” quote by W. Somerset Maugham
Download Open image
““A virtue that only causes havoc and unhappiness is worth nothing. You can call it virtue if you like. I call it cowardice.””

W. Somerset Maugham

About This Quote

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

A false virtue that causes harm is meaningless; true virtue aligns with goodness.

In simple terms: Harmful virtue is worthless.

Key Takeaway

Question the value of actions that cause suffering.

Themes

ethics integrity authenticity virtue

Mood

critical reflective

Type

philosophical advice

When to use this quote

  • leadership
  • personal relationships
  • social movements
  • policy making

Key Concepts

moral philosophy psychology human nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is it ever justified to break a harmful “virtue”?
  • How do you discern genuine virtue?
A Different Perspective

What appears virtuous may hide selfish motives.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by W. Somerset Maugham

Explore all 840 W. Somerset Maugham quotes

More Character quotes

Browse all 32,707 Character quotes