Character Quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero
“Virtue and decency are so nearly related that it is difficult to separate them from each other but in our imagination.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: On Virtue, 45 BC
Virtue and decency are so intertwined that separating them in thought is difficult, though they may differ in practice.
In simple terms: Virtue and decency are closely linked, hard to separate mentally.
Key Takeaway
Recognize their overlap but consider practical distinctions.
Themes
ethics
morality
philosophy
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- legal practice
- teaching
- personal decision‑making
- community leadership
Key Concepts
virtue ethics
human nature
social norms
Questions to Reflect On
- Can you think of actions that are virtuous but not decent, or vice versa?
- How does context affect moral judgments?
A Different Perspective
Distinguishing them can be abstract and culturally variable.
![“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)
