Character Quote by James Hilton
““If I could put it into a very few words, dear sir, I should say that our prevalent belief is in moderation. We inculcate the virtue of avoiding excesses of all kinds—even including, if you will pardon the paradox, excess of virtue itself.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Lost Horizon by James Hilton, 1933
Society praises moderation, yet even virtues can be over‑applied, leading to paradoxical excess.
In simple terms: Moderation can become a vice when taken too far.
Key Takeaway
Beware of over‑doing good.
Themes
moderation
virtue
paradox
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- leadership decisions
- policy making
Key Concepts
ethics
social norms
balance
Questions to Reflect On
- When does “enough” become too little?
- How can we balance virtue and flexibility?
A Different Perspective
Excess of virtue may still cause harm or rigidity.
