Character Quote by Alfred Tennyson
““Virtue - to be good and just - Every heart, when sifted well, Is a clot of warmer dust, Mix'd with cunning sparks of hell. - The Vision of Sin””
About This Quote
Source Poem: "The Vision of Sin", 1855
Virtue involves goodness and justice, yet even a pure heart contains both warmth and malicious sparks, reflecting the complex nature of morality.
In simple terms: Goodness and sin coexist within us.
Key Takeaway
Recognize inner moral complexity.
Themes
morality
dual nature
humanity
Mood
contemplative
somber
thoughtful
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- self‑assessment
- moral decisions
- spiritual reflection
Key Concepts
ethical philosophy
inner conflict
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile kindness with darker impulses?
- Can virtue exist without any hint of sin?
A Different Perspective
The view may be overly pessimistic, ignoring capacity for pure goodness.
