Alas Quote by Harry Graham
“Virtue its own reward? Alas! And what a poor one as a rule! Be virtuous and life will pass Like one long term of Sunday School.”
About This Quote
The speaker mocks the idea that virtue is its own reward, suggesting that moral behavior is burdensome and unrewarded.
In simple terms: Virtue is portrayed as a pointless, burdensome rule.
Key Takeaway
Question whether moral actions are intrinsically valuable.
Themes
ethics
skepticism
irony
Mood
cynical
skeptical
reflective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- daily life
- ethical decision making
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- Is virtue ever truly rewarding?
- Why do we follow moral rules?
A Different Perspective
It may ignore the internal satisfaction of virtue.
