Action Quote by David Hume
“Vanity is so closely allied to virtue, and to love the fame of laudable actions approaches so near the love of laudable actions for their own sake, that these passions are more capable of mixture than any other kinds of affection; and it is almost impossible to have the latter without some degree of the former.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Treatise of Human Nature, 1739
Virtue and fame are intertwined; love of reputation often mixes with love of the good itself, making pure motives rare.
In simple terms: Fame and virtue mix, making pure motives hard.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and separate self‑interest from genuine virtue.
Themes
ethics
motivation
human nature
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- personal development
- philanthropy
Key Concepts
virtue ethics
psychology of reputation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we cultivate actions for their own sake?
- What role does reputation play in moral decisions?
A Different Perspective
Pure altruism is difficult because self‑interest is pervasive.
