---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Virtue would not make such advances if…"
description: "\"Virtue would not make such advances if there were not a little vanity to keep it company.\" — Francois de La Rochefoucauld"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/362/francois-de-la-rochefoucauld-1_business_virtue-would-not-make-such-advances-if-t_2197933.png"
---

#  Virtue would not make such advances if there were not a…

![“Virtue would not make such advances if there were not a little vanity to keep it company.” quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/362/francois-de-la-rochefoucauld-1_business_virtue-would-not-make-such-advances-if-t_2197933.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/362/francois-de-la-rochefoucauld-1_business_virtue-would-not-make-such-advances-if-t_2197933.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/362/francois-de-la-rochefoucauld-1_business_virtue-would-not-make-such-advances-if-t_2197933.png)

> “Virtue would not make such advances if there were not a little vanity to keep it company.”

[Francois de La Rochefoucauld](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/francois-de-la-rochefoucauld/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Virtue alone cannot advance without a hint of vanity accompanying it.

**In simple terms:** Virtue needs a touch of vanity.

Key Takeaway

Accept that modest pride can motivate moral behavior.

Themes

virtue vanity motivation

Mood

reflective analytical

Type

philosophical advice

When to use this quote

- leadership
- personal growth
- social influence

Key Concepts

human nature ethical psychology

Questions to Reflect On

- Is vanity always detrimental?
- Can pride be a healthy driver?

A Different Perspective

Overemphasizing vanity may corrupt virtue.

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