Character Quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero
“It is not a virtue, but a deceptive copy and imitation of virtue, when we are led to the performance of duty by pleasure as its recompense.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: De Officiis by Marcus Tullius Cicero, 44 BC
Performing duty for pleasure corrupts the moral value of the act, turning it into a false imitation of virtue.
In simple terms: Doing good for reward is not true virtue.
Key Takeaway
Seek duty for its own sake.
Themes
ethics
motivation
integrity
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- public service
- professional responsibility
- personal habits
- education
- leadership
Key Concepts
virtue ethics
moral psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What motivates your sense of duty?
- Can you separate duty from desire for praise?
A Different Perspective
Reward‑driven actions may erode intrinsic motivation over time.
![“That which leads us to the performance of duty by offering pleasure as its reward, is not virtue, but a deceptive copy and imitation of virtue. [Lat., Nam quae voluptate, quasi mercede aliqua, ad officium impellitur, ea non est virtus sed fallax imitatio simulatioque virtutis.]” quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/07f/marcus-tullius-cicero-157_ads_that-which-leads-us-to-the-performance-o_3076771.jpg)
![“Things sacred should not only be touched with the hands, but unviolated in thought. [Lat., Res sacros non modo manibus attingi, sed ne cogitatione quidem violari fas fuit.]” quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/deb/marcus-tullius-cicero-157_hands_things-sacred-should-not-only-be-touched_11960.jpg)
