Contrary Quote by Francesco Guicciardini
“He who imitates what is evil always goes beyond the example that is set; on the contrary, he who imitates what is good always falls short.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Discourses on Moral Philosophy, 16th century
Mimicking evil exceeds the original wrongdoing, while imitating good never fully matches it.
In simple terms: Copying bad deeds worsens them; copying good deeds falls short.
Aim for original virtue, not imitation.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- leadership
- education
- personal development
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Can we ever truly emulate virtue?
- How does imitation affect moral growth?
Good role models may be hard to emulate perfectly.