Absolutes Quote by Alfred de Vigny
““We have also set up for them an edifying project for a continuous mitigation of their own tyranny, ascribing to them an unshakeable faith in the triumph of virtue, as well as in the moral justification of their crimes. These are the theories of well-meaning children who see everything in black or white, dream of nothing but angels or demons, and have no idea of the incredible number of hypocritical masks of every color and shape and size which men use to conceal their features when they have passed the age of devotion to ideals and have abandoned themselves unrestrainedly to their egotistic desires””
About This Quote
Source Book: Les Destinées, Alfred de Vigny, 1840
The quote warns that simplistic moral narratives and idealistic faith can mask self‑interest and hypocrisy, leading to tyranny under the guise of virtue.
In simple terms: Idealism can hide selfish motives.
Key Takeaway
Questionify moral narratives.
Themes
morality
idealism
hypocrisy
politics
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- Political leadership
- educational curricula
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
Virtue ethics
psychology of self‑deception
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you recognize hidden motives?
- What risks arise from black‑and‑white thinking?
A Different Perspective
Such narratives may oversimplify complex realities.
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