--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When virtues are pointed out first, flaws…" description: "\"When virtues are pointed out first, flaws seem less insurmountable.\" — Judith Martin" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e75/judith-martin-1927_character_when-virtues-are-pointed-out-first-flaws_2845074.png" --- # When virtues are pointed out first, flaws seem less… ![“When virtues are pointed out first, flaws seem less insurmountable.” quote by Judith Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e75/judith-martin-1927_character_when-virtues-are-pointed-out-first-flaws_2845074.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e75/judith-martin-1927_character_when-virtues-are-pointed-out-first-flaws_2845074.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e75/judith-martin-1927_character_when-virtues-are-pointed-out-first-flaws_2845074.png) > “When virtues are pointed out first, flaws seem less insurmountable.” [Judith Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-martin/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Highlighting virtues first makes flaws appear more manageable and less overwhelming. **In simple terms:** Focus on strengths to reduce perceived flaws. Key Takeaway Start with strengths to tackle weaknesses. Themes self‑improvement positivity self‑esteem Mood encouraging practical Type self‑help motivational When to use this quote - personal development - team feedback - coaching sessions - education Key Concepts Cognitive reframing strengths‑based approach Questions to Reflect On - What strengths can you showcase first? - How does focusing on virtues change your view of flaws? A Different Perspective Overemphasis on virtues may ignore needed change. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Criticism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/criticism/) [Firsts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/firsts/) [Flaws](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/flaws/) [Flaws Insurmountable](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/flaws-insurmountable-3752507/) [Insurmountable](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/insurmountable/) [Pointed Flaws](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pointed-flaws-3752505/) [Virtue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/virtue/) [Virtues](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/virtues/) [Virtues Pointed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/virtues-pointed-3752503/) ## Related quotes > [The queen of virtues is the recognition of one's own flaws.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jack-mcdevitt/the-queen-of-virtues-is-the-recognition-of-one-s-own-flaws/) [Jack McDevitt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-mcdevitt/) > [“On Love - Men love women for their virtues. Women love men in spite of their flaws.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marsha-hinds/on-love-men-love-women-for-their-virtues-women-love-men-in-spite-of/) [Marsha Hinds](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marsha-hinds/) > [No obstacles are insurmountable when God commands and we obey.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/no-obstacles-are-insurmountable-when-god-commands-and-we-obey/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The problem of vindicating an omnipotent and omniscient God in the face of evil is insurmountable. Those who claim to have surmounted it, by…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-harris/the-problem-of-vindicating-an-omnipotent-and-omniscient-god-in-the/) [Sam Harris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-harris/) > [“Envy of others builds an insurmountable wall to our own success.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mike-michalowicz/envy-of-others-builds-an-insurmountable-wall-to-our-own-success/) [Mike Michalowicz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mike-michalowicz/) > [If an athlete takes a shortcut - literally, for example, by running a street that shortens the marathon route by a quarter mile -…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/don-kardong/if-an-athlete-takes-a-shortcut-literally-for-example-by-running-a/) [Don Kardong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/don-kardong/) > [“Frequently, things are seen as 'insurmountable' merely from a lack of know-how.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karen-hawkins/frequently-things-are-seen-as-insurmountable-merely-from-a-lack-of/) [Karen Hawkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karen-hawkins/) > [And whenever you encounter a problem, no matter how insurmountable it might seem, there is one simple response that should be ingrained in your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stedman-graham/and-whenever-you-encounter-a-problem-no-matter-how-insurmountable-it/) [Stedman Graham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stedman-graham/) > [Passion is the engagement of our soul with something beyond us, something that helps us put up with or fight against insurmountable odds, even…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/janet-hagberg/passion-is-the-engagement-of-our-soul-with-something-beyond-us/) [Janet Hagberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/janet-hagberg/) > [No problem is insurmountable. With a little courage, teamwork and determination a person can overcome anything.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/no-problem-is-insurmountable-with-a-little-courage-teamwork-and/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The best fiction is geared towards conflict. We learn most about our characters through tension, when they are put up against insurmountable obstacles. This…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sufjan-stevens/the-best-fiction-is-geared-towards-conflict-we-learn-most-about-our/) [Sufjan Stevens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sufjan-stevens/) > [We are surrounded by insurmountable opportunities](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-mollison/we-are-surrounded-by-insurmountable-opportunities/) [Bill Mollison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-mollison/) > [There is no insurmountable solitude. All paths lead to the same goal: to convey to others what we are. And we must pass through…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pablo-neruda/there-is-no-insurmountable-solitude-all-paths-lead-to-the-same-goal/) [Pablo Neruda](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pablo-neruda/) > [Imaginary obstacles are insurmountable. Real ones aren't.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barbara-sher/imaginary-obstacles-are-insurmountable-real-ones-aren-t/) [Barbara Sher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barbara-sher/) > [I have yet to encounter that common myth of weak men, an insurmountable barrier.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-lane-allen/i-have-yet-to-encounter-that-common-myth-of-weak-men-an/) [James Lane Allen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-lane-allen/) ## More by Judith Martin > [Smart people duck when they hear the dread announcement 'I'm going to be perfectly honest with you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-martin/smart-people-duck-when-they-hear-the-dread-announcement-i-m-going-to/) [Judith Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-martin/) > [If you put together all the ingredients that naturally attract children - sex, violence, revenge, spectacle and vigorous noise - what you have is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-martin/if-you-put-together-all-the-ingredients-that-naturally-attract/) [Judith Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-martin/) > [The one prediction that never comes true is, 'You'll thank me for telling you this.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-martin/the-one-prediction-that-never-comes-true-is-you-ll-thank-me-for/) [Judith Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-martin/) > [Chaperons, even in their days of glory, were almost never able to enforce morality; what they did was to force immorality to be discreet.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-martin/chaperons-even-in-their-days-of-glory-were-almost-never-able-to/) [Judith Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-martin/) > [There are always proper responses, even to rude questions.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-martin/there-are-always-proper-responses-even-to-rude-questions/) [Judith Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-martin/) > [Perhaps the greatest rudenesses of our time come not from the callousness of strangers, but from the solicitousness of intimates who believe that their…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-martin/perhaps-the-greatest-rudenesses-of-our-time-come-not-from-the/) [Judith Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-martin/) > [We are all entitled to our little harmless habits, but we are not entitled to demand approval for them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-martin/we-are-all-entitled-to-our-little-harmless-habits-but-we-are-not/) [Judith Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-martin/) > [“Lady” is not used before the lady’s first name unless she is the daughter of a duke, marquess or earl; those who come by…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-martin/lady-is-not-used-before-the-lady-s-first-name-unless-she-is-the/) [Judith Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-martin/) > [Greece is a good place for rebirths.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-martin/greece-is-a-good-place-for-rebirths/) [Judith Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-martin/) > [Adorable children are considered to be the general property of the human race. Rude children belong to their mothers.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-martin/adorable-children-are-considered-to-be-the-general-property-of-the/) [Judith Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-martin/) > [I have always believed that the key to a happy marriage was the ability to say with a straight face, 'Why, I don't know…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-martin/i-have-always-believed-that-the-key-to-a-happy-marriage-was-the/) [Judith Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-martin/) > [It is, indeed, a trial to maintain the virtue of humility when one can't help being right.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-martin/it-is-indeed-a-trial-to-maintain-the-virtue-of-humility-when-one-can/) [Judith Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-martin/) > [Honesty is a virtue, but not the only one. If you're in a courtroom you need the whole truth and nothing but the truth;…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-martin/honesty-is-a-virtue-but-not-the-only-one-if-you-re-in-a-courtroom-you/) [Judith Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-martin/) > [Only a person who considers himself too good for you is good enough.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-martin/only-a-person-who-considers-himself-too-good-for-you-is-good-enough/) [Judith Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-martin/) > [Society cannot exist without etiquette ... It never has, and until our own century, everybody knew that.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-martin/society-cannot-exist-without-etiquette-it-never-has-and-until-our-own/) [Judith Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-martin/) [Explore all 197 Judith Martin quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-martin/) ## More Character quotes > [This may sound strange, but although I feel like I know everything about my characters, the brand of shampoo they use, how many cavities…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gail-honeyman/this-may-sound-strange-but-although-i-feel-like-i-know-everything/) [Gail Honeyman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gail-honeyman/) > [I always like a character who makes me laugh.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rachael-stirling/i-always-like-a-character-who-makes-me-laugh/) [Rachael Stirling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rachael-stirling/) > [Social responsibility above the level of family, or at most of tribe, requires imagination-- devotion, loyalty, all the higher virtues -- which a man…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-a-heinlein/social-responsibility-above-the-level-of-family-or-at-most-of-tribe/) [Robert A. Heinlein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-a-heinlein/) > [Reader, if you are gifted with nerves like mine, aspire to any character but that of a wit.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-lamb/reader-if-you-are-gifted-with-nerves-like-mine-aspire-to-any/) [Charles Lamb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-lamb/) > [I'm often moved by the circumstances around some of my characters, but I don't think I've actually cried watching myself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kate-winslet/i-m-often-moved-by-the-circumstances-around-some-of-my-characters-but/) [Kate Winslet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kate-winslet/) > [When you're on a daytime drama you get one page, you better damn well know your character. You better know what she would do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-hudgins/when-you-re-on-a-daytime-drama-you-get-one-page-you-better-damn-well/) [David Hudgins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-hudgins/) > [It can sometimes make people fold into themselves and kind of run away, but I think in this case these characters are being forced…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emily-deschanel/it-can-sometimes-make-people-fold-into-themselves-and-kind-of-run/) [Emily Deschanel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emily-deschanel/) > [If you are well-mannered towards those whose views are similar to yours, you may be said to exhibit a fairly good character. But, if…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/if-you-are-well-mannered-towards-those-whose-views-are-similar-to/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Democracy is based on the conviction that man has the moral and intellectual capacity, as well as the inalienable right, to govern himself with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harry-s-truman/democracy-is-based-on-the-conviction-that-man-has-the-moral-and/) [Harry S. Truman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harry-s-truman/) > [In the fight between biology and morality, biology has commonly won in the end.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/semir-zeki/in-the-fight-between-biology-and-morality-biology-has-commonly-won-in/) [Semir Zeki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/semir-zeki/) > [Your looks don't make you pretty, it's the person inside who makes you pretty!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aaron-chan/your-looks-don-t-make-you-pretty-it-s-the-person-inside-who-makes-you/) [Aaron Chan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aaron-chan/) > [I'm not a huge social media kind of guy, so I don't really know, I don't really ever get... at least in real life,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/freddie-stroma/i-m-not-a-huge-social-media-kind-of-guy-so-i-don-t-really-know-i-don/) [Freddie Stroma](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/freddie-stroma/) > [If you stood me in a costume next to a computer graphic of the same-looking character, I think there would be a difference. And…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warwick-davis/if-you-stood-me-in-a-costume-next-to-a-computer-graphic-of-the-same/) [Warwick Davis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warwick-davis/) > [Courage: the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maya-angelou/courage-the-most-important-of-all-the-virtues-because-without-courage/) [Maya Angelou](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maya-angelou/) > [I'm a character actor - always have been, always will be - and historically, character actors don't come into their own until later in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annie-potts/i-m-a-character-actor-always-have-been-always-will-be-and/) [Annie Potts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-potts/) [Browse all 32,707 Character quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "When virtues are pointed out first, flaws seem less insurmountable.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Judith Martin" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-martin/when-virtues-are-pointed-out-first-flaws-seem-less-insurmountable/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Character" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-martin/when-virtues-are-pointed-out-first-flaws-seem-less-insurmountable/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e75/judith-martin-1927_character_when-virtues-are-pointed-out-first-flaws_2845074.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e75/judith-martin-1927_character_when-virtues-are-pointed-out-first-flaws_2845074.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e75/judith-martin-1927_character_when-virtues-are-pointed-out-first-flaws_2845074.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“When virtues are pointed out first, flaws seem less insurmountable.” — Judith Martin", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Judith Martin", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-martin/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "When virtues are pointed out first,...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-martin/when-virtues-are-pointed-out-first-flaws-seem-less-insurmountable/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-martin/when-virtues-are-pointed-out-first-flaws-seem-less-insurmountable/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```