---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: To copy a virtue in another is more…"
description: "\"“To copy a virtue in another is more copying than it is virtue. Try to learn what that virtue is based upon.”\" — Idries Shah"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/71d/idries-shah-450_character_to-copy-a-virtue-in-another-is-more-copy_1282301.jpg"
---

#  To copy a virtue in another is more copying than it is…

![“To copy a virtue in another is more copying than it is virtue. Try to learn what that virtue is based upon.” quote by Idries Shah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/71d/idries-shah-450_character_to-copy-a-virtue-in-another-is-more-copy_1282301.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/71d/idries-shah-450_character_to-copy-a-virtue-in-another-is-more-copy_1282301.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/71d/idries-shah-450_character_to-copy-a-virtue-in-another-is-more-copy_1282301.jpg)

> ““To copy a virtue in another is more copying than it is virtue. Try to learn what that virtue is based upon.””

[Idries Shah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/idries-shah/)

## About This Quote

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

Copying a virtue without understanding its foundation yields a shallow imitation rather than true moral growth.

**In simple terms:** Copying without understanding is shallow.

Key Takeaway

Seek the basis of virtues, not just the surface.

Themes

ethics learning authenticity

Mood

thoughtful reflective

Type

philosophical advice

When to use this quote

- education
- personal development
- leadership
- mentor relationships

Key Concepts

moral philosophy virtue ethics

Questions to Reflect On

- What underlying principles define this virtue?
- How can you embody it authentically?

A Different Perspective

Understanding the root may be difficult and time‑consuming.

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[Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Evolution](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/evolution/) [Learning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/learning/) [Sufi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sufi/) [Sufis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sufis/) [Virtue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/virtue/)

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