Character Quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld
“It is often laziness and timidity that keep us within our duty while virtue gets all the credit.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Maximes by La Rochefoucauld, 1665
People often cling to duty out of fear, while true virtue is overlooked and uncelebrated.
In simple terms: Fear keeps us in duty, virtue ignored.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and reward genuine virtue.
Themes
duty
virtue
fear
recognition
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- workplace
- family
- community leadership
Key Concepts
Moral psychology
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we better acknowledge unseen virtue?
- What systems reward duty over virtue?
A Different Perspective
Virtue may be hidden by conformity and self‑interest.
