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The moral world has no particular objection to vice, but…

“The moral world has no particular objection to vice, but an insuperable repugnance to hearing vice called by its proper name.” quote by William Makepeace Thackeray
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“The moral world has no particular objection to vice, but an insuperable repugnance to hearing vice called by its proper name.”

William Makepeace Thackeray

About This Quote

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

Society tolerates wrongdoing but recoils when it is labeled honestly.

In simple terms: People accept vice but hate naming it.

Key Takeaway

Name wrongdoing to confront it.

Themes

morality honesty social criticism

Mood

critical reflective

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • political debate
  • media reporting
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

hypocrisy labeling psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does labeling vice change perception?
  • Can honesty erode social harmony?
A Different Perspective

Naming can provoke denial or backlash.

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