Character Quote by David McCullough
![“Unfaithfulness in public stations is deeply criminal [he wrote to Abigail]. But there is no encouragement to be faithful. Neither profit, nor honor, nor applause is acquired by faithfulness. . . . There is too much corruption, even in this infant age of our Republic. Virtue is not in fashion. Vice…” quote by David McCullough](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/328/david-mccullough-1091_character_unfaithfulness-in-public-stations-is-dee_3011979.jpg)
““Unfaithfulness in public stations is deeply criminal [he wrote to Abigail]. But there is no encouragement to be faithful. Neither profit, nor honor, nor applause is acquired by faithfulness. . . . There is too much corruption, even in this infant age of our Republic. Virtue is not in fashion. Vice is not infamous.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: *Letter to Abigail* (historical document) by David McCullough, 19th century
Public unfaithfulness is criminal, yet society offers no reward for fidelity, leading to widespread corruption.
In simple terms: Society undervalues loyalty, fostering corruption.
Key Takeaway
Promote and celebrate integrity.
Themes
morality
corruption
social values
public behavior
Mood
critical
historical
Type
essay
reflective
When to use this quote
- political office
- public service
- media scrutiny
- community standards
Key Concepts
historical analysis
political philosophy
ethical decay
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies incentivize faithfulness?
- What role does culture play in shaping virtue?
A Different Perspective
Idealizing virtue without incentives may be ineffective.
