Character Quote by Horace
![“We hate virtue when it is safe; when removed from our sight we diligently seek it. [Lat., Virtutem incolumem odimus, Sublatum ex oculis quaerimus.]” quote by Horace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f95/horace-172_character_we-hate-virtue-when-it-is-safe-when-remo_2555876.jpg)
“We hate virtue when it is safe; when removed from our sight we diligently seek it. [Lat., Virtutem incolumem odimus, Sublatum ex oculis quaerimus.]”
About This Quote
Source Poem: Odes, Book 1, 2, 1, 37
People ignore virtue when it is obvious, but seek it when it is hidden or absent.
In simple terms: Neglect of obvious virtue, pursuit of hidden virtue.
Key Takeaway
Value and practice virtue consistently.
Themes
ethics
virtue
human nature
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal conduct
- leadership
- education
- public policy
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What virtues do you overlook daily?
- How can you cultivate hidden virtues?
A Different Perspective
Virtue may be ignored due to complacency, not just visibility.
![“Virtue consists in avoiding vice, and is the highest wisdom. [Lat., Virtus est vitium fugere, et sapientia prima.]” quote by Horace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c67/horace-172_avoiding_virtue-consists-in-avoiding-vice-and-is_1119709.jpg)
![“In a moment comes either death or joyful victory. [Lat., Horae Momento cita mors venit aut victoria laeta.]” quote by Horace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a43/horace-172_death_in-a-moment-comes-either-death-or-joyful_17189.jpg)
![“Neither men, nor gods, nor booksellers' shelves permit ordinary poets to exist. [Lat., Mediocribus esse poetis Non homines, non di, non concessere columnae.]” quote by Horace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bd4/horace-172_booksellers_neither-men-nor-gods-nor-booksellers-she_23851.jpg)
